hazelnuts
Espresso Truffles
Just the thought of espresso and chocolate puts a smile on my face! Now that I have merged them both into a truffle…watch out world! It is the perfect treat to complement a cup of coffee for breakfast or to satisfy your sweet tooth at the end of a long day!
Ingredients
TRUFFLE BASE
- 1 cup hazelnuts
- 1 tsp organic ground coffee
- 1 cup cacao powder
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- 12 medjool dates
- 3 tbsp cold brew coffee
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 medium avocado ripe
CHOCOLATE
- 1/4 cup refined coconut oil melted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp yacon syrup
- 1/4 cup cacao powder
Servings: truffles
Instructions
TRUFFLE DIRECTIONS
- Process all dry ingredients together until flour-like in consistency in the food processor. Add pitted dates and process until the mixture is an even, crumbly consistency. Add the remaining ingredients and process until the dough turns into ball. Roll the dough into 1 inch balls, place on plate and put into the refrigerator while making the chocolate coating.
CHOCOLATE DIRECTIONS
- Mix all wet ingredients together in a small mixing bowl. Add cacao powder and whisk until well blended. Dip truffles base into the chocolate with a fork and place onto cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, serve and enjoy. Extras can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Recipe Notes
Helpful Hint: I used to top these delicious balls of yumminess with a whole coffee bean, but I found people were trying to eat them. I now garnish the truffles with ground coffee and then sprinkle coffee beans on the plate for presentation.
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Bite-Size Black Forest Cakes
Everyone needs a little bite of chocolate cake every now and then right? Well, say hello to these naturally healthy, raw, vegan and refined sugar-free black forest cakes! The cake is rich and chocolaty with the texture of a brownie, topped with a smooth and sweet Coconut Vanilla Whipped Cream. So what makes it Naturally Healthy? It is made with only real whole ingredients… meaning this dessert actually has vitamins and fiber. With approximately one date worth of sugar per serving, this is dessert done right!
BITE-SIZE BLACK FOREST BITES
prep time: 10 min
chill time: 1 hour
makes: 20-14
CAKE INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cup hazelnuts
1/2 cup walnuts
2 cups medjool dates
1/3 cup dried bing cherries
1 cup cacao powder
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
dash of salt
DIRECTIONS
Process all dry ingredients until flour-like consistency in the food processor. Add remaining ingredients and process until dough forms into large ball. First press mixture into mini silicone mold and refrigerate for 1 hour.
WHIPPED CREAM INGREDIENTS
1 can coconut cream (chilled)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons date paste
20-24 frozen bing cherries (for garnish)
DIRECTIONS
Scoop out firm chilled coconut cream from the top of the can. Discard remaining liquid. Add vanilla and date paste. Mix with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Scoop cream into a piping bag.
To finish simply pipe the cream onto the cake bites and top with a frozen bing cherry. Serve and enjoy!
Helpful Hint: If possible do not top your cake with whipped cream until you are ready to serve. If that is not an option then be sure to keep your cake in the fridge until ready to eat to ensure the cream holds its form.
Chocolate Fudge
I can’t believe it’s that time of the year again! This time last year, I made it my personal mission to create the first NATURALLY HEALTHY DESSERT COOKBOOK! As I reflect on all the great gifts and achievements of 2015, I wonder what other amazing opportunities await in 2016. At least, the book is officially done and 2016 will be my year to share it with the world!
Now, without further ado, I bring you my latest recipe! Drum roll, please…Chocolate Fudge! This Chocolate Fudge recipe is the healthiest version of fudge you will ever find. It’s the perfect holiday treat to enjoy and share with friends and family!
Happy Holidays,
Laura Marquis
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup cacao powder
- 1/4 cup refined coconut oil melted
- 3/4 cup date paste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Servings: pieces
Instructions
- Process all the dry ingredients together until they form a flour-like consistency in the food processor. Add the remaining ingredients and process until the mixture is even and smooth in consistency. Add chopped walnuts, if desired. Place into 4x4 inch pan lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 2 hours. Cut into small square pieces, serve and enjoy.
Recipe Notes
Helpful Hint
I cut these while still frozen to create perfectly square bites. Extras can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or the freezer for up to one month.
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