Chocolate Fig Truffles

makes approx. 36 truffles

With the execption of a small amount of sugar from the chocolate these are a low-sugar sweet treat. They can be wrapped and given as Christmas gifts. Made with love, an edible gift not only nourishes the receiver but won't sit around gathering dust on a shelf for years to come.

  • 200 g pitted Medjol dates*
  • 200 g dried figs, stems removed
  • 1 cup desiccated coconut plus extra for rolling
  • 1 cup ground almonds
  • 1 tablespoon fair-trade cocoa plus extra for rolling
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • few drops of vanilla essence
  • 100 g fair-trade 70% chocolate, broken into pieces

Roughly chop the dates and figs and place in a food processor. Add the coconut, almonds, cocoa, zest, cinnamon, vanilla and chocolate, process to combine well. The mixture should hold together easily when squeezed into a ball. If the mixture is too dry add a squeeze of orange juice to moisten. Shape into walnut sized balls and roll half the truffles in cocoa and the remaining half in coconut. Refrigerate to set.

*Medjol dates are fresh dates available in the produce section of the supermarket. Note: if using dried dates, first soak with the figs in the juice of 1 orange to soften for 30 minutes.