On Saturday I shared the secret as to why I'm not the size of a house. It's not really a secret, it's just that I don't eat quite as much as it looks like I do. There is one secret I can attest to though. Tasty food. That means only eating food that you really enjoy. There's no sense in wasting a meal or a snack on something that doesn't excite you.
That's possibly why my lunch has been known to consist of a baked potato, kale chips and grilled halloumi. It's really very healthy but by baking the potato with a little olive oil and a spinkling of spices, crisping up the kale so it resembles something naughty and squeezing a little fresh lemon on the halloumi, makes it a serious treat for my tastebuds.
The secret lies in tricking your taste buds. This is starting to sound like how to hide vegetables in children's food but sometimes my brain needs it too. Take paleo chocolate almond truffles. It's really 'truffles' because to me, they taste just like a chocolate ganche-filled truffle laced with little specs of almond and coated in coconut.
I could quite happily nibble on one as dessert and think I was eating something quite indulgent and calorific. In fact I would be eating a 'treat' that is gluten and dairy-free, vegan and totally, completely healthy (unless you eat most of them in a day which is not advisable).
I never thought there'd come a day when I'd say this but dates are a wonder food when it comes to tricking your taste buds. These little 'truffles' are given their sweet and stickiness from the super date. I don't like them on their own but blended up with cocoa, almonds and a little coconut oil, they transform into something so delicious you'll have trouble stopping at one.
These were so tasty I had to stop myself eating them so there'd be enough left to photograph. They're best kept in the fridge to keep them firm but all last week, whenever I left the house I popped a few in a little container to have as my on-the-go snack. My brain still thought it was eating choc-almond truffles.
I can't believe I almost forgot the best bit - they take about five minutes to make. Enjoy!
What about you? Do you 'disguise' your food?
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1 cup of raw almonds
- 1 cup of organic dates seeds removed
- 3-4 tablespoons of best quality cocoa powder
- Shredded coconut to coat
Instructions
- Place all ingredients, except the coconut in the food processor and blitz until combined (about a minute).
- Pour the coconut into a bowl.
- Roll the mixture into small bite-size balls and roll/press into the shredded coconut.
- Place them on a plate and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- Keep refrigerated.
Donna says
I cannot find fresh dates.. Could you use the dried variety instead?? They look scrummy.
Claire says
Hi Donna. Yes you certainly can. Give them a quick soak in water for 15 minutes first and then drain well.
Jim says
These look truly amazing! I can almost taste them by looking at them :) Quick question, how did you get the pinterest button for sharing photos? That's really cool too!
Jim.
Claire says
Thanks Jim! It's a great wordpress plugin called 'pin it button' http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/pinterest-pin-it-button/
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan says
Oh yeah, dates are an awesome sweetener! I love the pictures of these, so tempting! Do you find that you are able to puree dates in a blender or need to use the food processor?
Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen says
I wondered how you did that:D These look like the perfect sweet treat when you're craving something and want to stay healthy and "on track", Claire! I love your photos too.. they're just gorgeous!! Did you do something different today?? xx Barb
Claire says
Thanks Barbara! I think it's the light! It has been such miserable weather here lately. They were taken at about 4pm on a rainy day.
Hotly Spiced says
These look so good yet there are so few ingredients. I'd really like to try these - love the peppermint coloured cases xx
Claire says
It's hard to believe there are so few ingredients when you bite into them Charlie. Ahh that's a bit of deception. They're actually silver but reflecting the blue fabric.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Hehe I made something similar but much less healthy Claire! But in my defence I think it's healthier than a chocolate truffle. Maybe marginally ;)
Claire says
I'm sure it's healthier!
Gillian ASHURST says
Did you use ordinary dried dates or the fresh ones?
Claire says
Fresh dates Gill
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I must move into the disguse my food arena or live in stretchy pants forever :) Love these truffles, Claire.
Claire says
Oh how I love stretchy pants!