Chef Bill Nolan provides yet another recipe to FPN!
We are living in extraordinary times, which has required us to adapt to new rules, circumstances, and ways to go about our normal lives. Key in this is how we look at and prepare the food we eat. It is my hope that this has been a blessing for those who don’t normally prepare their own food on a regular basis. Obtaining groceries is a safety challenge. Having GOOD food that is good for you on hand is also a challenge, even more now that it normally is. As we all know, giving our bodies what they need helps us to remain healthy, this goes for our normal meals as well as snack time.
I discovered this recipe several years ago and have prepared various iterations of it since then. These Energy Truffles have become my go-to snack food and I love everything about them. They are packed with nutrients, have no fillers or by-products, and can be made in bulk and kept in the freezer for easy access. A few things about this recipe:
• You don’t have to have a food processor to make the truffles, but it helps. If you don’t have one don’t despair, you can simply get to work practicing your knife skills by chopping everything by hand.
• These truffles get their sweetness from dates, so feel free to adjust the amount depending on your taste.
• These truffles contain coconut oil, which is solid at room temperature. Coconut oil does not freeze to a completely solid state, which makes them perfect to store in the freezer. No need to thaw out the truffles, the oil keeps them pliable.
• I store them in a ziplock bag for freshness, or if you are making large quantities a vacuum sealer works great too.
Why are these truffles good for you?
Coconut oil:
• Boosts energy
• Good for blood sugar and diabetes
• Helps prevent heart disease and high blood pressure
• Aids in liver health
Nuts:
• Healthy fats
• Fiber
• Protein
• Lowers blood sugar
• Reduces hunger
If you have kids in the house it might be fun to make a big bowl of this mix and have everyone chip in and make these treats. Just make sure to wash your hands very well first or wear gloves!
Happy Cooking.
*****
Energy Truffles Recipe:
A food processor really helps when you’re making this recipe, but if you don’t have one just use a heavy knife to chop up the nuts and dates.
I love these for so many reasons, they’re healthy, easy, taste great, and keep very well in the freezer. I like to do a double batch and freeze most of them. The coconut oil keeps them pretty pliable in the freezer, so much so that you can almost eat them right after taking them out.
Ingredients
1 C organic walnuts
1 C organic almonds
1/2 C organic dates
1 C unsweetened coconut
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 T organic flaxseed or Chia seeds
2 T organic coconut oil
1 t sea salt
1 t vanilla extract
Directions
In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, pulse the walnuts, almonds, and dates until combined.
Turn out into a bowl and add remaining ingredients.
Mix well, and then form into small balls, slightly larger than a golf ball.
Place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper, and freeze.
When frozen store in airtight containers.
NOTE: Truffles can be eaten right out of the freezer, as the coconut oil prevents them from freezing solid.
© 2016 W.A. Nolan. All rights reserved.