Food of the Gods: Cacao Energy Truffles
This recipe holds a special place in my heart for a reason. I created it over 15 years ago and shared it with the late Jim Thomas of R. Thomas Restaurant and Grille when he consulted with me to add some new menu items. So we whipped up all my favorite plant-based, raw, vegan recipes and like the culinary creative he was, that man would totally up-level my recipes 10x in the taste department!
I like this recipe because it’s high in brain-health foods like cacao and walnuts, without tasting super sweet. It makes the perfect afternoon snack/schnack when you need that little ‘umph to power through the rest of your day. I prefer to make them with cacao nibs for that antioxidant boost but the chocolate chip version is pretty bomb.
I recently found this one, in my mini notebook that I used to keep in the kitchen when I would experiment with plants and whole foods in their natural form. I feel like I have Jim’s blessings from above to share this delicious and healthy energizing recipe. Thanks Jim for the fond memories, I always give credit to you when I make this in my culinary workshops!
I encourage you to use quality ingredients like cacao powder over cocoa powder since it’s higher in minerals and anti-oxidants. Processing foods can decrease the nutritional value and like to maximize the health benefits of what I eat. Make the most of meals and snacks and your body will thank you! Remember, health IS wealth!
Ingredients:
1 ½ cup almonds, cashews*, walnuts, sunflower or pumpkin seeds or any nut mixture + ⅓ cup of nuts
⅓ cup cacao powder or cocoa powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon hemp or chia seeds
⅓ cup agave, maple syrup*, or honey
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1/4 cup goji berries or dried fruit or choice
⅓ cup cacao nibs or chocolate chips
Instructions:
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In a food processor add 1 ½ cup of nuts and/or seeds of choice and pulse into a fine crumble. Add cacao powder or cocoa powder, sea salt and hemp seeds. Pulse until mixed.
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Now add liquid sweetener of choice with coconut oil and pulse until mixed well. The mixture will start to form a ball.
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Add goji berries or dried fruit and cacao nibs or chocolate chips. Pulse slightly, only to distribute and mix the fruit and chocolate into the dough.
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Using a spoon, scoop out a tablespoon of the dough-like mixture and roll into a ball, a little smaller than a golf-ball. You have the option to roll in cacao powder, hemp seeds, beet powder or other superfood of choice to create your own favorite truffle. The options are endless!
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Freeze for 20-30 minutes until the mixture hardens and ENJOY!
* If you are following a low FODMAP diet use maple syrup, delete the cashews and be mindful of the amount of almonds you use (can substitute with pumpkin, sunflower and/or hemp seeds).
Tag me in your social media posts #NutritionAtlanta if you make them!
Cacao kisses
