^{Treat yourself this Valentine’s Day with something sweet and decadent! Skip the standard boxed chocolates and give your body and heart something to feel good about.}

If you don’t associate Valentine’s Day with chocolate desserts, you might be doing something wrong. And if you’re not a chocolate lover like me…you’re definitely doing something wrong. There is a reason that chocolate is the headliner of the notorious love-month of February. It’s technically considered an aphrodisiac which, if you didn’t know, releases serotonin and dopamine which are feel-good hormones. So eat up and feel good this year!

Personally, I could make up a reason to eat chocolate during any season but for some weird reason, I associate chocolate with fruit during Valentine’s Day. Red fruits like strawberries, cherries and raspberries always pair well with a little (or a lot) of chocolate. Chocolate covered cherries to be specific, was the inspiration for this recipe. And yes I am referring to the boxed up, liquid-filled generic, but oh-so-good type.

As much as I would want to indulge in a box of sugary candies on this wonderful day, I know it’s probably going to do more damage than good. I wanted to find a way that that chocolate covered cherry morsel of goodness could be enjoyed with some benefits for your mindful lifestyle.

By using more natural ingredients and not adding a lot of extra processed white sugar, I think these chocolate covered cherry truffles did the trick. There are also very few ingredients but because they are filled with nuts and fruits, I think they would be acceptable for breakfast as well.

Even while increasing your serotonin and dopamine levels, consider the antioxidants you’re adding to your body as well. Plus there is great fiber added too! The cool thing about this recipe is it is pretty fool proof and adjustable for you:

– If you want something more tart than sweet, choose dried fruits with little to no added sugar or that are super tart like dried cranberries. Dried blueberries would be wonderful too!
– If you’re feeling really daring, add shaved chocolate or chocolate chips to the batter. You can even sneak in some coconut too.
– Here is the BEST tip! If you don’t want to soak the dried fruit in water, open a bottle of red wine and soak them in your favorite red! Yum! I have done this with another recipe, the only difference is, you’re not cooking the wine so consider this version to be only for the adults of the family.
– Mix up the nuts! If you don’t have pecans, I truly believe anything from a cashew to walnut would do.
– Want to make your energy bars more of a treat? Add chia seeds, flax seeds or crushed oats to this recipe and now you can double it as a post or pre workout treat!
– Coat and decorate however you please. Crushed freeze-dried cherries, sprinkles, coconut (if you added it), sea salt or even more cocoa powder will all work and look cute. Get creative!

I’m not knocking any Valentine’s Day novelty, especially the heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, but if you want something sinful yet healthy, this is your recipe. If you and your loved one are on a health-kick, don’t stop now. You can absolutely still reap the benefits of V-day without losing your mindful eating streak!

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Healthy Chocolate Covered Cherry Truffles

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Treat yourself this Valentine’s Day with something sweet and decadent! Skip the standard boxed chocolates and give your body and heart something to feel good about.

Prep Time:1 15

Cook Time:15

Total Time:1 30

Ingredients

5-8 ounces dried cherries
7-10 pitted dried dates
2 cups water reserve some post soaking
1 ½ cups pecans or walnuts
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 dash salt
1 package (12 ounces) dark chocolate chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons coconut oil
½ cup red/pink chocolate coated candies crushed (optional)
dash coarse pink Himalayan sea salt (optional)

Instructions

In a medium sized bowl, add dates and cherries and cover with about 2 cups of water (or until all the dried fruit is submerged in the water). Allow to soak for at least an hour.
Drain the dried fruits but reserve some of the water. Add just the presoaked dried fruit to the food processor. Add pecans, cocoa powder and a dash of salt.
Pulse a few times in the food processor until all the ingredients break down and become a cohesive dough-like consistency. You may need to scrape the sides a few times. If not incorporating well, add reserved water 1 Tbsp at a time until dough forms.
Scoop the dough-like consistency into balls about 1-2 tablespoons large. Roll in the palm of your hands and set on a wax or parchment paper lined plate or tray.
Once all the truffles are rolled, set in the freezer for at least 45 minutes.
In a double boiler, add chocolate chips and coconut oil. This can also be done in the microwave but melt 15 seconds on high at a time and stir in between heating until completely melted. Melt down the chocolate completely, whisking or stirring during the process. Set aside.
Remove the chocolate truffles from the freezer and roll (one at a time) in the melted chocolate until the truffle is completely coated.
Using a fork, remove the truffle covered in chocolate and set back on the wax paper or parchment lined plate and immediately sprinkle (while still wet) each ball with desired decor. Once all are done, set back into the freezer until time to serve.

Notes

How long does it last and where?

These are perfect for storing in the freezer for about 2-3 months. If you know that they won’t last that long, you can keep them in the fridge for about a week or two.

Substitutions?

Other dried fruits that would work are dried cranberries, blueberries, or just dried dates.

The nut portion of this recipe is pretty easy to flex. Pecans, walnuts, peanuts (might taste more PB&J like), or cashews are all easy swaps.

Dark chocolate just seems to be the healthier option but really…any chocolate would probably work. Standard semi-sweet chocolate chips are great and if you want a vegan type, you certainly can swap out the chocolate for your needs.

Top these little truffles with whatever you think will look pretty. I really wanted sprinkles or freeze-dried cherries for a pop of color but red/pink candy-coated chocolates crushed up was the best I could do, and find.

Tips and tricks

Keep the balls in the freezer as long as possible before dipping in chocolate. I would highly suggest finding a method where you can only pull out one or two at a time from the freezer. If they start to get soft they will be harder to toss in chocolate.

If you were thinking that one package of chocolate chips was too much, you’re right. The reason I made more melted chocolate than needed was because it made rolling and coating easier. Use that leftover chocolate for something else!

The coconut oil is simply to create a softer, melted chocolate and a shiny consistency. You can use a dash of heavy cream instead…or just straight up butter.

A little added salt brings out the sweetness of the truffles. If you want a sweeter truffle, use about 10 dates and 5-6 ounces of dried cherries. If you prefer it to be tart, adjust the ratio and add more dried cherries and cut back on the dates. It is completely your preference.

You want more chocolate? Double dip the balls once the first coat has hardened or use the leftover chocolate to drizzle over the top of the truffles!!!