Deliciously dark (not-decadent) “Chili” Truffles. This recipe hails from “South Of The Border Down Mexico Way!” Around Christmas time I start whipping up my holiday truffles. Add 2-3 truffles into mini boxes. Decorate with festive ribbon or glittery Christmas stickers and you’re ready to spread some cheer! Friends and family like your truffles even more knowing that you made them yourself and added a spoonful of love to each one! 💖
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INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups whole almonds
1 1/2 cups fresh dates(pitted)
1/2 cup (or more) cocoa powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (Ancho, New Mexican, etc.)
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of cayenne pepper
chocolate (preferably couverture or chips or whatever you have for coating ) optional
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Pulse almonds in food processor until almost like almond butter. This will take several minutes.
2. Add the pitted dates and mix thoroughly.
3. Add the cocoa powder, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, chili powder and cayenne and process again until ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
4. Form mixture into bite sized balls.
5. Optionally coat with chocolate.
To do this, melt the chocolate in a double boiler or Bain Marie. Dip the balls into this mixture and leave to set on a piece of parchment. They can be placed in the refrigerator to set faster. Box these and give away as gifts or enjoy yourself.
Tempered chocolate.. great tips on dipping are marvelous!
DID YOU KNOW?
You will not experience any sugar drop with these little beauties since they are sweetened with dates. The usual ingredient of cream is replaced by almonds along with its multitude of health benefits. These truffles are perfect for vegans and those of you who are lactose intolerant.
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HELPFUL LINKS
My truffle boxes are called a Bow Top Favor Box. I buy them at the Bulk Barn on the corner. I found a huge supply at McCall’s in Toronto, ON, Canada, ( no bow top boxes ). For their truffle boxes see: cake boxes page 6. online at www.mccalls.ca
Buy online ( large orders ): boxandwrap.com [ from the U.S. — All shipping destinations –select ivory bow box– ] Local shops are your best bet. Happy hunting!
White ‘Bow’ Boxes, Truffle Cups & Foil Wrap
How about your dinner party? Each guest will have the chocolate chili truffles right on their plate before seating. I have not set my table yet..but this is what it might look like with golden truffle boxes on each plate. White boxes are very festive too.
At the famous Harrods in London’s Knightsbridge you can buy a box of handmade truffles with flakes of edible 24-carat gold that will set the buyer back an eye-watering £190 ( $238 U.S. $315 CAN dollars ). Champagne filled and studded by 100’s of Swarovski crystal on the box itself. I have enjoyed edible gold leaf chocolates at home and at restaurants. Decadent, but impressive! (You can buy edible gold leaf online ~ sometimes hard to get).
Harrods Gold Leaf Truffles
VARIATION: Add any coating you like for the truffles; ground almonds, chia seeds, shredded coconut and what ever you have handy in the kitchen. Ask your kids what they would like as a coating and let them roll the truffles in the coatings. Easy and fun! Raspberry Extract in the mix adds another dimension to your truffles. Chocolate, chili and raspberries are a match made in heaven! Kids love them too! No sugar rush!
Simply Splendid Food 
Amazing! What a clever idea you have for gift giving! Lots of packaging tips with foil wraps, etc. LINDT has a CHILI chocolate bar. You have raised the level for truffles. Elegant and I simply love it!
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Thank you ‘Merry Men”! Enjoy the holiday festivities!
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I like your truffles using dates and chili powder. Sounds fascinating and easy to make. I can’t wait!
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I couldn’t wait so made these today. I didn’t have fresh dates so I freshened some and otherwise used the type of chili etc I had on hand. I had to add two teaspoons of water to the mix but otherwise it turned out with the freshened dates. My cocoa powder was a good dark variety but for the coating I only had semi sweet chocolate (not good, too sweet) I only used it on four, the rest were dusted with icing sugar which was perfect. Regular chili doesn’t have enough heat for our liking so I’ll have to go get some Ancho chili as the recipe suggested. One problem, they seem to disappear quickly.
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It’s a a good problem to have when your truffles disappear! I’m so glad you could improvise. Sounds like you had a good time making them!
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Yummy.
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Yes indeed 🙂
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Oh my gosh, thank you for finding my blog and finding! You are like a Christmas gift to me this year. I love to create dark chocolate truffles and the nutrients in these are amazing! Can’t wait to search around for other recipes. Have a Merry Christmas my new friend,
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Merry Christmas to you too! 💖
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Love the table. Merry Christmas.
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Thx..Merry Christmas to you! 💖
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Merry Christmas and all the best include to you family and friends
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Thank you….and MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and yours! 💗
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Thanks for the good cheer!….and a Happy New Year to you!
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