Can It Be Valentine’s Day Without Chocolate?

I can’t help but think that Valentine’s Day is synonymous with chocolate.

Wouldn’t you agree?

Of course, there ARE others ways to show people you love and appreciate them, without involving chocolate, or treats of any kind.

Just doing something nice for another person, or spending time together are a couple of things that come to mind.

And of course – it’s just as important to love and appreciate yourself!

In fact, if you’ve resolved to be kinder to themselves this year by eating less sugar – period – chances are you’re scrambling to find a scrumptious special occasion treat that is still good for you.

Is that even possible?

Of course!

This year, I’m planning to bake something decadent from my new “Paleo Chocolate Lovers’ Cookbook”, by Kelly Brozna – founder of The Spunky Coconut. (Even though I do not follow the Paleo diet, I love exploring her recipes, especially the ones that are free of gluten, dairy and eggs.)

Just for the record, I was blown away by the Macadamia Nut Brownies – how can anything so delicious still be good for you?

I’m also planning to make some of my own chocolates, rather than rely on store-bought brands that still contain dairy. This Chocolate Bark from Elena’s Pantry was a real winner over the recent holidays, and I’ve been looking for an excuse to make it again.

I may also have on hand some of my favorite Chocolate Truffles – just in case.

They sound decadent, I know, but I can assure you they’re super easy!

You start with a paste of walnuts and dates, then add in a little cocoa powder and sweeteners, and roll in shredded coconut.

They are the perfect little bites after a meal.

You might even decide to keep these in the fridge year round, as I usually do – just to have something on hand whenever you have a craving for chocolate.

My other go-to dessert is a simple presentation of either raspberry sorbet or chocolate ice-cream (I like Coconut Bliss), topped with a little chocolate or raspberry sauce and maybe some fresh berries.

So, I guess that answers the question – can it be Valentine’s Day without chocolate?

While I’m sure it’s possible, apparently it isn’t going to happen at my house, not this year, anyway.

 

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES
Adapted from The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook

 

2 cups raw Walnuts

1 Tbsp ground Cinnamon

3/4 cup medjool Dates, pitted

¼ cup dried Cranberries

4 -6 Tbsp cocoa powder

¼ tsp pure Vanilla extract

 

Shredded organic Coconut

 

Place the walnuts & cinnamon in a food processor and pulse until the nuts are finely ground.

Add the dates, cranberries, cocoa powder & vanilla, & continue to process until well combined.

Shape into small balls & roll in the shredded coconut, making sure each one is evenly coated.

These keep well in the fridge for a couple of weeks, but are best when eaten sooner.

Makes approximately 18.