Ok, I know what you’re thinking…another truffle recipe. Do we really need another one? Yes, yes we do. If there is room in the world for 4 seasons of Jersey Shore then there is more than enough room for another truffle recipe. Especially this one! Hidden underneath it’s fluffy white exterior is a rich chocolatey brownie and a ripe juicy cherry. I love chocolate covered cherries and haven’t had one in years and this is by far the best one I’ve ever tasted! My kids called these snowball candies and have asked for them every single night. My daughter told me that we should leave them for Santa instead of cookies because then “we’ll get REALLY good toys!” ENJOY!

~Sarah

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup walnuts (plain, unsalted is best)
• 10 Medjool dates, pitted
• 2 tbsp raw cocoa powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1/2 vanilla bean (insides scraped out)
• 1 tbsp raw honey or coconut nectar (optional)
• 12-14 black sweet cherries, pitted (you can frozen cherries, make sure to thaw first)
• shredded unsweetened coconut, cocoa powder, crushed walnuts or other ‘toppping’ of choice (optional)

Preparation:

1. In a food processor or powerful blender add the first 6 ingredients and process until you have a smooth mixture.

Process the ingredients until you have a smooth mixture

2. Take a small amount of the brownie mixture (about 1 tbsp or so) and roll it into a ball. Gently press down on the ball, forming a pancake. Place a cherry into the center of the pancake and wrap around the cherry. Using the palms of your hands, roll around until you form a ball. Depending on the size of your cherries you should end up with a truffle about the size of a golf ball. Repeat with remaining cherries.

3. Roll each truffle in the topping of your choice (this does help make them be not so sticky when you pick them up). I tried shredded coconut, cocoa powder, crushed walnuts and a coconut crystal/cinnamon combo. By far everyone in my family preferred the shredded coconut. (If you want to serve your truffles without a topping skip to the next step).

4. Refrigerate truffles for 15 minutes before serving and ENJOY!

Nutritional Info:

Makes 12-14 truffles.

Serving size 1 truffle.

Nutrients per serving: Calories: 115, Cal. from Fat: 41, Total Fat: 5g, Sat. Fat: 0g, Carbs: 18g, Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 15g, Protein: 1g, Sodium: 0mg, Chol: 0mg

Notes:

Store leftover truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.