Christmas Treats

'Tis the Season, right?

Every direction there is a yummy treat.

Every weekend there is a party.

Oh, what is a family to do?

Hubby loves his treats,

but we are seriously trying to do right with the eating.

We are not getting any younger.

I was missing making holiday cookies

when what should pass my way, but a recipe for truffles.

Truffles?

Yes - with no added sugar.

They are sweetened entirely with dates.

Hubby says they are phenomenal.

They look good.

Are you looking for the sweet taste of Christmas without the added sweets?

Even a little health value to your Christmas treats?

Try this one!

Vegan Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bites

MAKES15 to 18 truffles

INGREDIENTS

1 cup pitted Medjool dates

1 1/2 cups raw almonds

2 tablespoons coconut oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

1 tablespoon water

1/4 cup unsweetened cacao powder, plus 

1/4 cup crushed candy canes, for sprinkling

INSTRUCTIONS

Soak the dates in a bowl of warm water until they soften up a bit, about 10 minutes.
 Drain the dates and place them in a food processor with the almonds, coconut oil, salt, peppermint extract, water, and cacao powder.
Process for one minute or until the mixture forms up into a ball.

(I used the vitamix and recommend doing the almonds alone first, then adding the rest - 

I was glad for the thermal shut off - the dough gets very thick)

Remove the "dough" from the food processor and form 15 to 18 small round truffles with your hands. 

Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set.
Remove from the fridge and top each truffle with crushed candy canes.
These can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for several weeks.
(Don't store with the candy cane garnish. Save that touch for right before serving).