What is your favorite holiday (or anytime) dessert? Could it be CHOCOLATE?

This holiday season why not indulge in deep dark chocolate desserts that contain superbly nutritious ingredients – heart-healthy foods that can improve your health rather than harm it?

I am referring to unsweetened cocoa powder and nuts, which have both been shown to reduce cholesterol and improve your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. You can easily whip up a sinfully rich and really healthy dessert for your next holiday party. Why not try my holiday gift to you”¦a no bake recipe of mouthwatering and festive Cocoa Truffles?

Recipe– Cocoa Truffles

A gluten-free and dairy-free chocolate dessert made with raw ingredients.
Yield: 24 balls (1 Tablespoon per ball)

Ingredients:

“¢ 1 cup of cashews (can substitute with walnuts and/or almonds)
“¢ 12 pitted dates
“¢ ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
“¢ 4 Tablespoons canola oil
“¢ ¼ cup of pure maple syrup
“¢ 1 tsp of vanilla
“¢ 1 pinch of salt
“¢ Optional coatings: shredded unsweetened coconut, unsweetened cocoa powder, chopped pistachios, chopped dried cherries

Directions:

Place the cashews in a small bowl and add enough water to the bowl to just cover the cashews. Let the cashew soak for at least 2 hours. Once the cashews have soaked, microwave the dates for 1 minute. Add all the ingredients into a food processor/blender and mix until a smooth consistency. Form 1 Tablespoon size balls and cover each ball in a coating of your choice. Put the coated balls onto a baking sheet and place into the freezer. Remove balls 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information Per Serving:

Calories: 78 kcals,
Fat: 5 g,
Cholesterol: 0 mg,
Carbohydrate: 8 g,
Dietary Fiber: 1 g,
Protein: 1 g,
Sodium: 13 mg.