I'm usually a glass-half-full kind of person. Or at least I try to be. Most of the time anyway.
But sometimes, a little venting is necessary. Like, today. Because there are two things that have been bugging me for weeks now, and if it don't let them out, my head might explode. And believe me, that won't be a pretty sight.
First. My hair. May sound silly and shallow, I know. But it's not. It's extremely frustrating actually.
Ever had a a bad hair day? If you're a woman, chances are, you have. You know, those days when no matter what you try to do, no matter how much time you spend fixing it, it never looks right? Well, that's me everyday. I'm not even kidding. My hair has it's own agenda, and I'm pretty sure driving me insane is right on top of the list. Making me look like the Lion King, that's up there too. I mean, seriously what is that all about?
I'm reaching such a level of frustration, that at this point, I'm pretty sure I'm only left with two options: 1) get rid of all of it (which, by the way, I already tried once and didn't work) or find a miracle worker hairdresser that will fix it for good (which I haven't found and doubt it even exists). So, if you have any other suggestion, by all means, send it my way. I will be forever grateful.
Phew... ok, got that one off my chest. And that's probably enough for today. I'll save my next rant for the next post...
Now, on a more positive note, I do believe that for every annoying / difficult / frustrating thing in life, there's an easy counterpart that helps balance it out.
Like, an awesome, super yummy, nutrient packed, ridiculously easy to make, good for you snack that even takes care of your chocolate fix for the day. Like, a little fruity, nutty, chocolaty bite that makes a perfect pick me up.
Now, if that doesn't make up for my hair woes, nothing will.
See? Like is all about balance. You just have to find it. Hakuna Matata 🙂
Enjoy!
Raw Cocoa, Nut & Berry truffles
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 28 truffles 1x
Ingredients
- FOR THE TRUFFLES:
- ½ cup Goji Berries
- 4 tbsp whiskey (you cal also use dark rum, any other spirit or just plain water)
- 4 tbsp hot water
- ½ cups dried sour cherries
- 10 small pitted dates (or 5 large)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, at room temperature
- 2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
- 4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (we used lake champlain)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp raw hemp seeds
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tbsp raw cocoa nibs
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- ¾ cup cashew or almond meal
- CHOCOLATE DRIZZLE AND COATING:
- ½ cup dark chocolate chunks
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (we used lake champlain)
Instructions
- Soak goji berries in bourbon and water until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain and discard liquid
- Combine the soaked goji berries, cherries, dates, coconut oil and almond milk in a food processor Pulse a few times to form a rough paste
- Add unsweetened cocoa powder and salt and pulse again until well combined. Transfer to a glass bowl.
- Add hemp seeds, chia, cocoa nibs, walnuts and cashew meal. Mix well using a spatula or your hands. Refrigerate for 15 minutes
- Working with approximately 2 teaspoons at a time, form the truffles and refrigerate them while you prepare the drizzle.
- To make the drizzles, combine chocolate chunks and coconut oil in a bowl, and melt in the microwave at 20 second increments.
- Roll the truffles in unsweetened cocoa powder and drizzle with melted chocolate
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Raw - Healthy - Vegan
Joanie Avena says
Hi! I sure enjoy your posts of good recipes. In response to the hair issue and it driving you mad, I may have some solutions for you. I need to know more though before I make any recommendations for your specific hair care needs. It is frizzing, bushy and dry? What is your hair type-fine or course, thin or thick quantity, length presently, do you have any processes on your hair currently such as a perm, color, or hi lighting? A pic would also be helpful. I was a licensed practicing hairdresser in CA for nearly 40 years and have been called on over the years to help many unhappy "harried" people, mainly women, to assist in managing their manes. I specialized in restoration hair care for individuals who had natural or processed problem hair. It's not necessary for you to be in hell with your tresses...let me take a look-maybe I may be of assistance. I'm inviting you to correspond with me to end your hair wildness, to tame it and soothe your concerns. I know how frustrating it can be! I tend to be that half full type of person as well so let me lend a hand to do something positive to impact you in a pleasant way. Happy Holidays! Be well!
Yours truly,
Joanie
★★★★★
Vicky & Ruth says
Thank you for taking the time to write and offer your help. I will be in touch with you via email.
Sarah & Arkadi says
These truffles look fantastic!
Vicky & Ruth says
Thank you very much, and they are healthy too!
Dianna says
From your description of your hair, it sounds like you might benefit from a Chi Enviro treatment! I have very curly hair that has its own agenda too! I can tame it on low humidity days, but on humid days it looks like I have a Brillo pad sitting on top of my head!!! I had my first Chi Enviro treatment about 2 years ago and it was life-changing!! It is like Keratin, but this is chemical-free and it smoothes the hair shafts so that humidity doesn't affect it in the same way as before the treatment. My hair still curls in humidity, but it's a softer and smoother curl, rather than that Brillo pad look! You might want to do an internet search to find a beauty shop in your area that does the Chi Enviro treatments.
Thanks for so many wonderful recipes!! Our absolute favorite was the Cold Rice & Tofu Salad with the Three Mustard Dressing! I made it several times during the warm weather and served it to my husband and grown children. Everyone loved it! We have recently stopped eating corn and peas so when it gets warm again, I will just add other vegetables - like green beans and carrots.
Good luck with your hair!
Vicky & Ruth says
Thank you very much for your hair advise, I will email you, if that's OK.
Ashley says
These truffles look and sound delicious! I need some healthier options in my life right now - too many cookies this holiday season!
Vicky & Ruth says
That's what we though, some healthy treats would be great after indulging in cookies over the holidays.
jessica // the kosher foodies says
sorry to hear about your hair issue
Vicky & Ruth says
Thanks. I could be worse...
Yosef - This American Bite says
My favorite ingredient here is the chia!
Vicky & Ruth says
We are fans of chia, and we have also discovered that cocoa nibs give a great crunchy texture, we are obsessed with them now
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
Sorry about your hair troubles but if it's any consolation I hate my hair, too!! It's the worst!! It's very fine and VERy thin and I'd basically trade hair with anyone if I could 🙂
I DO love these truffles!!
Vicky & Ruth says
I feel for you. AL least we have cocoa truffles!
Monica says
Hard to believe these truffles look so good and are healthy and vegan. Great job!
And I wish you beautiful hair transformation in 2014! ; )
Vicky & Ruth says
Thank you and thank you. I think I need a hair miracle 🙂
Thejewishhostess says
I forwarded this recipe to my daughter. We make different versions of these truffles all the time but this recipe has extra healthy ingredients !
★★★★★
Vicky & Ruth says
Thank you very much. We really wanted to pack the nutrients in there!
Jamie Geller says
try a wig 🙂 now you have to share truffles with me!
Vicky & Ruth says
Ruth has bought about it at times, but she really wants to find a solution for her real hair. We will share the truffles with you any time. When will you be back in the US?
Jamie Geller says
LOL - that's certainly the less expensive direction 🙂 I will be back for KFWE in Feb are you guys going?!
Sarah Klinkowitz says
These look so yummy!
Vicky & Ruth says
Thank you we enjoyed them a lot.
Layla @ Brunch Time Baker says
These truffles look so yummy! Its like they are calling my name!
Vicky & Ruth says
Really easy to make, you just need to have all the ingredients available.
Lillian @ sugar and cinnamon says
I once got so frustrated with my hair I had it cut an inch short. Don't do that! It was even worse! On another note these truffles look absolutely amazing! I'm so jealous right now 🙂
Vicky & Ruth says
I did that as well, and I know it's not the solution. Good thing I have these truffles to make me feel better!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
So this is pretty much the recipe I need right now in life! These truffles look amazing!
Vicky & Ruth says
Thank you. We are guessing you need a little "cleansing" from the holidays!
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
Oh my gosh - these could NOT look any better. It makes me want to fly down there and try them myself!!! Don't be surprised if you get a knock on your door! Hahahaha!
Vicky & Ruth says
Ha, ha, ha, we will be waiting for you. We would love to meet you in person. We better make another batch just in case, because we just finished the last one.
Dina says
these sound amazing and healthy! would love to try them.
Vicky & Ruth says
Thank you Dina, if you please let us know what you think.
marcie says
I love guilt-free ways to enjoy sweets, and these truffles look incredibly delicious! I need guilt-free after my holiday binging. Happy New Year to both of you!
Vicky & Ruth says
Happy New Year to you too! We figured we could come up with some truffle packed with nutrients and we did!
Natalie @ Obsessive Cooking Disorder says
oh my, that top photo looks divine! I've been planning on making truffles and this looks amazing. now if only I can convince the family to try these healthier versions hehe....
Vicky & Ruth says
You don't have to tell them they are healthy and maybe go a little heavier on the chocolate drizzle on top 🙂
Mary Frances @ The Sweet {Tooth} Life says
Also saw these on FG and put them on my to do list:) I love truffles, especially date based ones, and these are way better than your average date + coca recipe. You are so creative! These would make my bad hair and makeup days much more managable!
Vicky & Ruth says
Thank you. We figured everyone needed something a little healthier after the holidays.
Melissa {lilmisscakes} says
These look so good, I love your presentation in the little paper cups, so cute!
Vicky & Ruth says
Thank you Melissa.
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
I love it when healthy looks yummy, like these truffles!
Bad hair day?! Oh yes, I can sympathize!
Vicky & Ruth says
Thanks, good way not to feel guilty eating truffles!
Ronnie Fein says
Oh boy oh boy, you got me here. Because, basically, I have had a bad hair day for my entire life. I have thin, wispy, fly-away hair that I can never make look good. And I have NEVER gotten used to it. Oh well, at least the color is nice. So, I hear you about the hair. As for the truffles, they look delish, so I could eat them for any reason. But, truth to tell, I will still hate my hair even after eating a pound of these.
Vicky & Ruth says
So sorry you feel like that about your hair, I thought you looked really good when I met you. You will have to meet my sister now so you can talk about hair 🙂
Alison@AliBabka says
Hakunah Matata! We all have those days (so you're not alone) but still stinky. These would for sure brighten up my days though.
Vicky & Ruth says
This truffles are Full of omega 3 and other great nutrients, maybe that will help my hair 🙂
Kelly says
These truffles look great! Love that they are healthier too, I need that after all the indulging I've been doing. Hope you both have a wonderful 2014!
Vicky & Ruth says
Thank you Kelly!
Couldn't Be Parve says
As someone with very curly hair, I feel you on the hair issue. I love your pictures of the truffles, they sound delicious but look even better.