Friday, January 30, 2009

A Little Something for Valentine's Day

Here is a healthy chocolate truffle recipe that you might want to make for your sweetheart this Valentine's Day. Enjoy!

Chocolate "Truffles"
3/4 c. raw cocoa butter (make sure to get food grade, available online)
1/4 c. coconut butter
1/4 c. cashew butter
1/4 c. raw agave nectar
1/4 c. dutch processed cocoa powder, divided
1 Tbsp. ground flax seed
1 tsp. chocolate extract
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Chop the cocoa butter into small pieces or shavings. In the bottom pan of a double boiler, heat an inch or so of water to boiling. Turn the heat off. Place the cocoa butter in the top part of the double boiler, and place over the steaming water. Heat stirring constantly, until just melted. Remove from hot water to cool.

In a medium glass bowl, combine melted cocoa butter, coconut butter, cashew butter, agave, 2 Tbsps. of cocoa powder, ground flax, chocolate extract and vanilla extract. Blend well. Place the bowl in the refrigerator until the mixture is solid, but still somewhat pliable (about 2 hours).

Using a metal spoon, scoop out the mixture 1-2 Tbsps. at a time, and form into 1 inch balls. Using a small mesh strainer, dust the balls with remaining cocoa powder, turning the balls to coat evenly. Indulge!

Tips:
- For fancy presentation, place the balls in small paper candy cups (available at specialty cooking stores or craft stores - used for candy or mini-muffins).
- The cocoa powder on the outside of the balls will not be sweet. I prefer this bitter taste, but if you want yours sweet, just mix in a Tbsp. or so of powdered sugar into the cocoa powder before dusting.
- Store these balls in the refrigerator!!! They will soften too much at room temperature, and the nut butter and flax will go rancid if kept out for several days.

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