Thursday, September 2, 2010

Decadent Raw Chocolate-Coconut Truffles

Some of you might be familiar with Raw Foodism. Social networks such as "we like it raw" and "Give it to me Raw" are home to thousands of people who have been successful on a raw food diet. For those of you who are not familiar with Raw Foodism, it is a lifestyle in which one consumes mostly or ALL un-cooked, un-processed, and often times all organic foods.

By now you understand the significance of eating un-processed and organic foods, but why go mostly Raw?

Cooking food significantly reduces the vitamins and nutrients found in plant foods and when food is cooked in temperatures over 116 degrees Fahrenheit, the natural enzymes are destroyed. (Enzymes start to degrade in as little as 106 degrees F)
As a result, the body must rely solely on its own enzymes to digest the food, and will work over time to do so--often times leaving the body feeling rather sluggish.
This is why people on a predominately raw diet report increased levels of energy and vitality.

Other health benefits include:
-weight loss
-Reversal or termination of the advancement of many chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer
-Improved Immunity
-Improved digestion

While I could never go 100% raw, especially with fall just around the corner, about 65% of the food I consume on a daily basis is raw. For me, this consists of raw fruits, veggies, and nuts, which is a cinch to maintain. However the possibilities are endless and the benefits are many!

Salads, guacamole with carrots and celery for dipping, fruit smoothies, green juices, etc. are just some examples of delicious raw foods. However, it gets even yummier than that!

For months I've been reading about all the scrumptious raw food dessert recipes out there, but most require a food processor. Determined to make these treats myself, but unwilling to pay 300 bucks for a decent food processor, my mom dug up her old cuisine art and re-gifted to me. (Literally one of her bridal shower gifts circa 1975)
Despite its retro colors, it works fabulously and I recently whipped up the most decadent chocolate-coconut brownie truffles ever. The original recipe was taken from a friend, but I added my own twist, and the end result was a gorgeous platter of delectable, guilt-free, treats!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Raw Cacao powder (raw cacao powder is chocolate in its unadulterated, unprocessed state. It's an antioxidant power house and therefore the greatest way to eat chocolate!)
1/2 cup Extra Virgin Coconut oil
1/4 cup raw Maca Powder-Optional (Considered to be the "super food of the Andes" it is an adaptogen, supports the immune system, and is thought to promote sexual function and libido)
12 dates
1 cup walnuts
1/2 coconut flakes
1/4 Chocolate flavored Vega Optimum Health Formula- Optional (although this made an already healthy dessert even healthier, this is not necessary for taste)
2 tsp agave nectar
1 tsp organic vanilla extract
1/4 cup water for binding

-Process all the ingredients together but omit nuts and coconut flakes
-Shape into truffle sized balls and set aside
-Next, process the walnuts and coconut flakes on a lower speed (or for less time, depending on what kind of food processor you have) so that they are broken into tiny pieces
-Place the nuts and coconut onto wax parchment paper
-Roll the truffles through the nut and coconut mixture (This may require you to lightly dab the truffles in coconut oil or water to ensure the nuts and coconut stick)
-Place in fridge for at least 20 minutes (or freeze if desired)
-Eat with guilt free gusto and pleasure!!!

Feel free to omit some of the ingredients and/or add your own. I bet bananas would taste absolutely fabulous in this concoction!

I can't wait to share some more experimental raw recipes with you!