Chocolate Orange Truffles (Raw, Vegan, Paleo)

Even though I’m going to be out of town next week, I volunteered to make some treats for a bake sale being held by some vegan ladies that I know. If you happen to live in Silicon Valley and having nothing going on, or if you need to bug some pet food, please drop on by. Some of the recipes that I will be blogging about in the next week will be there! An added plus is that Pet Food Express is one of my favorite pet stores. The staff is really knowledgeable without ever making you feel like they are trying to sell you on something. And they have some animal rescues in the area host adoption events. So at the very least, you’ll always get to see some potential four legged friends, which will be guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Even if you won’t be there, if you do have some friends in the area, please invite them!

This event will be held on March 15, and will be benefiting Doggie Protection Services.

So I’ve been thinking about what raw treats would last well at an all day bake sale, and I immediately thought of truffles, which are typically thicker in nature, and chewy in texture. I found my inspiration from The Sweet Life Online, and the recipe can be found here. My recipe is an adaptation.

Chocolate Orange Truffles 2 Ways (Makes about 24 small truffles)

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp raw cacao
• 1 cup walnuts
• 3/4 cup dates
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
• pinch of salt
• 1tbsp agave

For Rolling

• Option 1: 1/4 cup raw cacao plus 2 tbsp coconut sugar
• Option 2: 1/4 cup coconut flakes ground in flour plus 1 tbsp lucuma powder

Instructions:

• Soak the walnuts and dates in filtered water for 30 minutes.
• Drain and add the walnuts and dates in the food processor with the orange juice, zest, agave and salt. Process until it forms a dough.
• Add the 2 tbsp cacao powder and pulse until combined.
• Remove and set in the freezer for about 20 minutes.
• Remove from freezer and roll using heaping teaspoons.
• Place your dusting ingredients in a bowl.
• Drop each truffle individually into the bowl and swirl the bowl to coat the truffle.
• Ready to eat, or for storage, place in an air tight container in the freezer.