Date nut truffles

With Valentine’s day just around the corner, no doubt many of you have started thinking about making some sweets for your sweets. If you don’t want to sabotage your New Year’s resolutions of healthy eating but would still like to make a special treat, here’s a recipe for a guilt-free truffle made with dates and almonds that is quite pretty and absolutely delectable. I don’t generally add any honey to the recipe, but you may prefer it sweeter. Also, while the cloves and pepper are optional, I highly recommend adding them, as they elevate these date truffles into truly sophisticated morsels.

1 C pitted dates

2 T very hot water

1/4 C blanched almonds

A tiny pinch of clove powder

1/4 tsp finely ground black pepper

2 T honey, optional

1/4 C dessicated unsweetened coconut flakes

Soften dates by placing them in a bowl and adding 2T boiling hot water over them

While waiting, grind almonds to a fine powder

Now, grind dates to a paste in a food processor, coffee grinder, or by hand in a mortar and pestle

Combine dates, almonds, cloves, pepper, and honey, and mix well

Form 1 inch balls and roll smooth. Roll in coconut to coat. Gift and enjoy, guilt-free.