HOLISTIC CHEF EDDIE'S TIP OF THE DAY #65

pOh boy, getting closer to the holidays.  I've got a wonderful treat for you that is decadent, fanciful and ever so tasty, CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES.  So much fun and easy to make.  When I was only doing raw foods for a year, many years ago, I discovered this recipe.  It can be made using raw or roasted cacoa powder.  Chocolate is one of the most powerful antioxidants on the planet.  It improves brain function, lowers blood pressure, raises the good cholesterol, and is rich in minerals.  Now let me be perfectly clear.  Cacao is very healthy however, when you add sugar and some unhealthy processed additives to it, it becomes a nightmare that can elevate your blood sugar levels, affects diabetes, causes heart problems and is very addictive.  It becomes a nightmare instead of a healing substance.  In the recipe I am featuring, I will give the roasted version and in parentheses the raw version so everyone can make them.  Your guests will flip when they see this on the table and I know if they are like me, they will not stop with only eating one.  Give them as a gift in a lovely box also.  Enjoy!!

                 CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

1 cup roasted Cashew Butter (or raw)
1 cup Lakanto Maple Flavored Monkfruit Syrup (raw foodists many times use Maple Syrup)
1 cup Organic Cocoa Powder (raw Cacao Powder or raw Carob Powder)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (1/4 teaspoon seeds from the Vanilla Bean)
1 Tablespoon Braggs Liquid Amino
Ground and whole Roasted Pistachio Nuts (raw), separate and place in a small bowl
Ground and whole Roasted Almond (Raw), separate and place in a small bowl
Ground and whole Raw Walnuts, separate and place in a small bowl
Blueberries
Raspberries
Lemon, Lime and Orange Zest, chopped (separate in small bowls and/or combine some of each in one bowl)

1)  In a food processor, combine Cashew Butter, Maple Syrup or Maple Flavored Monkfruit Syrup, Cocoa Powder, Vanilla and Braggs Liquid Amino.  Process until smooth and thick.  Refrigerate until ready for use.
2)  When you are ready to use the mixture, bring it to room temperature.   Place enough in the palm of your hand to make a 1 inch ball.  Make a depression in the ball and fill it with a whole or large piece of a Nut, a Blueberry or a Raspberry.  Carefully cover the filling with the chocolate and form a ball.  
3)  There are many ways to decorate the outside of the truffle either by rolling it in the ground Nut mixture or in the Zest.  So colorful.  Bon Appetit!!! 

NOTE:  Lakanto Maple Flavored Syrup is made from Monkfruit which is KETO friendly, no sugar, 1 net carb, Gluten Free, Zero Calories, Zero Glycemic, Zero additives and sweeter than sugar.  The Monkfruit is grown in China and used there for centuries.