HORMONE BALANCING CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

15 truffles, 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup dates (pitted, soft)

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

• 2 tbsp ground flaxseeds 

• 2 tbsp raw cacao powder 

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder

• 1/4 tsp cardamom, freshly ground

• A pinch of saffron strands (soaked in 1 tbsp warm water for 10 minutes)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for flavor)

• 1 tbsp coconut oil or ghee

• 1 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup (optional for additional sweetness)

• A pinch of salt

CHOCOLATE COATING INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips (70% or more cacao)

• Salt for sprinkling

• Small pot with 2 cups water

• Heat proof bowl (stainless steel or glass, avoid plastic or ceramic)

DIRECTIONS

1. Soak saffron strands in warm water or milk for at least 10 minutes to release its aroma and medicinal properties.

2. In a food processor, blend walnuts until they form a fine crumb.

3. Add all of the other ingredients - flaxseeds, cacao powder, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, dates, saffron mixture, vanilla, coconut oil or ghee, and maple syurp/honey. Blend until the mixture is sticky and well combined.

4. If the mixture is too dry, add a teaspoon of warm water to help it bind.

5. Roll into small truffle-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

6. Place the truffles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and into the fridge to set for about 10-15 minutes.

7. Once set, pull them out of the fridge and begin your chocolate coating!

DIRECTIONS FOR CHOCOLATE COATING

1. Set up a double boiler: Place a heatproof bowl over a pot with simmering (not boiling) water. Ensure the bowl doesn’t touch the water.

2. Melt the chocolate: Add dark chocolate to the bowl, stirring gently until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat.

3. Coat the truffles: Using a fork, dip each truffle into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off before placing it on a parchment-lined tray. Sprinkle with salt.

4. Decorate: Drizzle leftover melted chocolate over the truffles using a spoon or piping bag for a decorative finish.

5. Set & Enjoy: Chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes until the chocolate hardens. Serve & enjoy!

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Notes

• When you or the kids are craving chocolate or want to make something nice for a loved one - make this!

• You can omit the saffron if you don't feel like doing the extra step of soaking the threads, but if you are going for hormone balance, keep the saffron in. It has a lovely taste and compliments the chocolate throughout. If you are currently pregnant, omit the saffron.

• Saffron is a mood booster and energizer. It also rejuvenates reproductive tissue, increases libido, and increases fertility. Both saffron and flaxseeds are known phytoestrogens - meaning they naturally boost estrogen levels. Nuts are a known phytoprogesterone. Specifically, walnuts, help to balance both estrogen and progesterone levels in women.

• Ayurvedically speaking, all of the ingredients listed in this recipe (including the chocolate) strengthen the reproductive tissue - making this recipe, the perfect hormone balancing, fertility boosting, valentines sweet :).