Feel Good Truffles
When you think of truffles, don't you think of something over-the-top rich, decadent, and unhealthy? Full disclosure... classic truffles are not one of my favorite desserts. I find them to boring in terms of texture and flavor. Soooo I decided to make my own version, AND make them healthy!
My Feel Good Truffles are really easy to make, and there is no heat or baking required. They start out with unrefined coconut oil, which is nice and rich. To make these even more rich, but with depth of flavor, I add in peanut butter as well. In order to create body and texture in the truffles, I used unsweetened coconut. For even more of a crunch, and boost of health, I like to include chia seeds. They are rich with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which make them a "super food."
The only thing I used to sweeten these truffles is local, unprocessed honey. I have read that eating raw, local honey can actually help with allergies! For those of us who struggle with allergies, we will try anything to prevent those terrible stuffy days. Now for the chocolate, which is the last piece to the truffle puzzle. I HIGHLY recommend using really good quality dutch processed cocoa powder. These aren't being baked, so you will really taste the cocoa powder, plus I like to roll the finished truffles in the same cocoa powder to create a really pretty, and rustic, finish. I like dutch processed cocoa powder because it is much smoother than regular/natural in terms of taste. Regular cocoa powder is pretty acidic, so when treated with alkali, it actually neutralized the flavor, and makes it more smooth and pleasant. It basically balances out the pH in the cocoa powder.
How to make perfect Feel Good Truffles
*Use good quality ingredients! When you are making something that is raw, it is so important for the ingredients to be good. Usually when heat is added, it helps flavors to marry and enhance, so when you don't do that, you need the flavors to taste great to begin with.
*Use dutch processed cocoa powder. It will help to keep the flavor rich and smooth.
*Make sure to refrigerate these. Like regular truffles, these are to be stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
*Add a finishing touch! Roll the truffles in extra cocoa powder, coconut shavings, sprinkles, or anything you like! I love using the cocoa powder, because it creates a really pretty and rustic finish.
Feel Good Truffles
Author:
Maria Provenzano
Serves:
about 20-25
Ingredients
3 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil
3 tablespoons smooth, natural, peanut butter
1 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1/2 cup dutch processed cocoa powder; plus more for coating
1/2 cup raw honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Place the peanut butter and coconut oil in a bowl of a stand mixer (a hand mixer can also be used) with a paddle attachment; mix to combine
In a separate bowl, combine the shredded coconut, salt, chia seeds, and cocoa powder together
With the mixer running add in the honey
Then, add in the coconut/cocoa powder mixture
While mixing, add in the vanilla
Mix until well combined; the mixture will be stiff; make sure to use a spatula to scrap the side of the bowl to make sure everything is incorporated
Use a scoop, or tablespoon measuring spoon, to scoop out about tablespoon size amounts of the mixture
Use your hands to roll them into a ball and place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper
Repeat with the rest of the mixture
Refrigerate for a couple hour, then roll in extra cocoa powder, or anything else you like, to create a finished look
These are to be stored in the fridge until ready to serve