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.