Coconut Lime Truffles: Raw Dessert

I taught a raw food cooking class on the weekend and one of my students’ favourite recipes was this dessert. These truffles sound incredibly decadent, don’t they? We often associate the word “decadent” with fattening and unhealthy, but these refreshing and lively mouthfuls are the furthest thing from either.

In fact, these truffles have superfood powers! The two main ingredients are avocado and coconut oil (they’re reminiscent of an amazing key lime pie recipe I posted several months ago).

What makes avocados so super?

• They’re a source of monounsaturated fat (otherwise known as good or heart-healthy fat), which studies have proven helps to lower cholesterol. This type of fat can even beautify hair and skin.
• Avocados are a good source of potassium, a mineral most notable for its ability to regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Studies show antioxidants found in the avocado help lower the risk for both breast and prostate cancers.

What makes coconut oil so super? http://www.joyoushealth.ca/2011/01/26/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil-why-you-need-to-get-some/

Ingredients:

•  1 ripe avocado
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• 1/2 cup organic coconut oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (look for organic and unsulfured)

Method:

Peel and remove the seed of the avocado, place into food processor. Squeeze the juice of the lime on top of the avocado and add the lime zest. Melt the coconut oil over medium heat, then add to the food processor. Add the honey and blend until completely smooth.

Transfer to a bowl and place in freezer for one hour or until its solid enough to form into balls. Place the shredded coconut into a bowl. Spoon out the avocado mixture and form into balls.

(Note: The balls won’t be perfectly round, but once you roll in the coconut shreds they’ll form better.)

Place rolled balls back into the freezer for a couple of hours.

These bites are best eaten right out of the freezer. They’re not a treat you can let sit at room temperature for hours. (Then again, they’re so gosh darn delish, you probably won’t want to let them sit that long, anyway!)

Joy McCarthy, Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Health Coach of Joyous Health, loves to inspire others to eat well, live well and be happy.

Joy has clients from all over the world and consults via phone and Skype. Contact Joy today and take the first step to achieving joyous health. REASONS TO HIRE A HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST.