Thursday, March 27, 2014

Chocolate Date Truffles


With the snow melting away and the sun shining, I feel warm and hopeful and glad to wear something other than snow boots.  My skis are put away and I’ve even slipped on some flip-flops. My toes are happy!

Spring is a time for new beginnings. Soon the wild flowers will emerge from the earth and there’s talk of planting seeds on the radio. I, too, am embarking on a new beginning. When we moved to this beautiful valley last summer, I knew I was starting on a journey but had no idea what direction it might take.


I mentioned previously that I’ve been keeping busy (an understatement!) with a new project. I’m delighted to tell you a bit about it now – it’s a kitchen and home store! A fantastic opportunity emerged and I decided to jump on it. I’m beyond excited! You never know what life will bring, do you? I’ve been learning and planning and painting and designing and ordering and falling into bed exhausted every night. But it’s thrilling and a whole new adventure to embrace.


Needless to say, I haven’t been cooking much lately and I miss it! One evening before I collapsed I just had to get back into the kitchen. I made a little sweet that didn’t involve any cooking but still scratched the itch (and was delicious!): Chocolate Date Truffles.


My dear friend, Tristan, gave me the original recipe (thank you again!). Raw cashews are whirled in the food processor with honey, cacao powder, vanilla and shredded coconut to create a rich, lightly sweet truffle to scoop and roll. I began nibbling right away! The original recipe calls for rolling in citrus zest, nuts or seeds, but I decided to stuff some luscious, plump dates with it instead. What an indulgent treat! These didn’t last long and I know I’ll be making them again soon.


Off to the shop now – I can’t wait to share details and photos with you in a couple of weeks after we’ve opened.

Chocolate Date Truffles
Makes about 22
Filling adapted from Nourish and Heal, 2014

1 cup raw cashews, soaked in a bowl of water for 20 minutes and drained
1/2 cup raw honey
1/2 cup raw cacao powder
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, plus extra for garnish
22 whole, plump Medjool dates

Add the drained cashews and honey to the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth, stopping to scrape the sides once. Add the cacao powder, vanilla, kosher salt and coconut and process until well combined, stopping again to scrape the sides.

Scrape the filling into a small bowl, cover and chill for about an hour. You can prep the filling the day before serving and leave to chill overnight, too.

To assemble the truffle dates, slit each date open along one side and gently remove the pit. Place a small scoop of filling into each date and shape it to fit smoothly. Arrange the dates on a serving plate and scatter a little coconut over the top. Indulge!

26 comments:

  1. Hannah! How exciting! I can't wait to see photos of your new shop. All good wishes as you prepare and launch! xo

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    1. Thank you so much, Jenni! I appreciate your kind support. Hopefully you can come visit sometime!

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  2. Hannah! Congratulations on your new adventure! Little treats like these are so great when you're stretching yourself to new limits and just need a wee pick me up :) I can't wait to see more of the shop!

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    1. Thank you, Brianne! It is indeed a new adventure and I'm doing some serious stretching. All good and exciting! Life is truly amazing. :)

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  3. Looking forward to learning more about your shop! I'm an afternoon snacker of sweets and this is just the type of recipe I need to keep it healthy!

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    1. I look forward to sharing more, Deb! And yes, this sweet is perfect for an afternoon nibble. Happy spring to you! :)

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  4. Mmm,such yummy truffles:) And good luck with your new shop!

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    1. Thank you so much, Jael! It's an exciting time - very busy and fun, especially with Pesach around the corner, too. Hope all is well with you!

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  5. Great to see a post from you Hannah! Wouldn't these be a perfect treat for Passover?!!? No flour or dairy. Come say hi at TJ when you have a spare moment (Ha!). So excited for you.

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    1. Thank you, Beth! I appreciate your support. You're right, these sweets would work very well for Passover! I need to start thinking about it soon... I hope to join in TJ this month (love all things cheese!) and was sad to miss the cardamom. Spring hugs to you!

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  6. Oh Hannah thats wonderful, I just wish I lived close so I could frequent your shop, I can't wait to hear more about it. The truffles are wonderful, I eat dates almost every day, never mixed with cocoa before, sounds so delicious, a perfect little sweet bite.

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    1. Thank you, Suzanne, I appreciate your good wishes! I wish you lived closer, as well. I'd love to see you pop into the store! The date and cocoa combo is quite good - hope you enjoy it. Happy spring to you!

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  7. Congrats on your new endeavor, love these treats!

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    1. Hi Cheri! Thanks so much for your kind comment. I'm looking forward to this new adventure! Happy spring to you!

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  8. Very exciting, Hannah. I do love that life can surprise you in a good way just by living it. Can't wait to hear more. These dates look amazing. So easy too!

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    1. So true, Amanda - love your comment. Life is full of surprise and I really appreciate it. I'm still in a whirlwind but hope a bit of calm emerges and I can share more about the store soon. I hope you're enjoying spring! :)

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  9. These sound so good Hannah. Perfect to have around for a quick snack or out hiking. I am SO excited about your store - CONGRATS again!!! :)

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    1. Thank you, Alyssa! I appreciate your support. I can't wait for you to visit! And yes, these treats would be perfect for a hike. Spring flowers will be blooming soon and I hope to get out on the trails. xox

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  10. Your store sounds like a great adventure! So much fun, and we're eager to see pictures. In the meantime, we'll have to comfort ourselves with these great looking chocolate date truffles. These look wonderful! Thanks for this, and best of luck with your new venture.

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    1. Thank you, John! I appreciate your kind words. I'll share more soon. It's off to a marvelous start so far! Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

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  11. Hi Hannah, these truffles look delicious! And your news how exciting! I cannot wait to hear all about it….very excited & happy for you :)

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    1. Hi Mairi! Thank you so much. It's a very exciting time indeed. I appreciate your kind words. I look forward to sharing more soon! :)

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  12. Hannah, these truffles look heavenly and I have everything on hand I need to make these right now. I'm off on a bit of a road trip tomorrow - these would be the perfect little take-along treat. Hope the store is going well for you, Hannah - that is such an exciting new venture.

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    1. Thank you, Sue! The store really is a marvelous new adventure and I'm having fun. I hope you enjoyed your road trip!

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  13. these truffles look divine, definitely will be making them as a healthy little treat. thanks for the great read!

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    1. Thank you, Thalia! I hope you enjoy the truffles. :)

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