In the Kitchen with Natalia – Chocolate Cherry Truffles

Cherries are one of my favorite summer fruits.  I can eat them non-stop!  Chocolate and cherries are a classic combo, but at first glance, there’s no way to tell there’s a sweet, fresh cherry wrapped up inside these little bites.  I love surprises!  The truffle base is so simple, you can play around with your favorite fruits, nuts and spices to create your own masterpiece.  Have fun!

Chocolate Cherry Truffles

Chocolate Cherry Truffles

Makes one dozen

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup raw cacao powder
• seeds of one vanilla bean
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup pitted medjool dates
• 1/4 cup raw honey
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 12 pitted cherries
• 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder

Instructions:

Place the cacao powder, vanilla bean and salt in a food processor.  Pulse gently to combine.  Add the dates, honey and coconut oil and process until sticky and smooth.  To make each truffle, roll about one tablespoon of chocolate into a 1″ ball with your hands.  Flatten into a circle and wrap around the cherry.  Roll again to make a smooth, round ball.  Place the 2 tablespoons of cacao powder on a plate.  Roll the cherry filled truffle in the cacao powder and give it one last roll with your hands for an even coating.  Set in the refrigerator for one hour to firm.  Consume within 2 days since you’re using fresh cherries, or freeze for longer storage.

Natalia

Natalia is the chef/owner of Glowing Temple, a raw and living foods inspiration, creation and education service based in Sarasota, Florida. She strives to create recipes focusing on local and seasonal ingredients and never compromises when it comes to organics. Natalia wishes to share the joy she has discovered through a clean, green diet. Recently, she created an organic live & vegan menu for Mi Pueblo’s University location. Find her on Twitter @NataliaKW and Facebook.