February is American Heart Month, which means we will be sharing recipes that include heart healthy ingredients all month long! Along with promoting heart health, February is also Valentine’s Day! You may be wondering if it’s possible to enjoy chocolate treats and reap the benefits of heart health?! I’m here to share with you that this is possible!
These Cara Cara Orange Chocolate Truffles are full of incredible ingredients, such as cacao, oranges and are naturally sweetened with dates! These ingredients contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber – all of which are critical for heart health and also important for things such as digestion and immunity!
Enjoy these truffles for yourself or gift them to your Valentine!
WHY WE LOVE USING CACAO POWDER
You are probably used to seeing cocoa powder used in most baked good recipes, but what is the deal with cacao powder? Cacao powder actually comes from the fermented cacao bean itself and doesn’t go through much processing like cocoa powder. Since cacao is in its natural form, it contains higher levels of antioxidants and also minerals such as magnesium, zinc, copper and calcium! These minerals are critical for muscles including the contraction of your heart! This is a healthy way to enjoy chocolate and also reap the amazing benefits. Cacao powder has a slightly bitter taste meaning a little goes a long way in recipes!
If you make these truffles, please share a photo on Instagram and tag me @HealthyGroceryGirl so I can easily find and like your creations! It’s so fun to connect with you and see what recipes you’re enjoying.
For more HGG recipe ideas you can also visit the HGG YouTube channel here!
- ½ cup Limoneira cara cara orange juice
- 2 tablespoons Limoneira cara cara orange zest
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 12 pitted dates
- ¾ cup cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon unrefined coconut oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Combine all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until a crumbly but sticky batter forms.
- Add a heaping tablespoon of mixture into your hands and squeeze firmly together.
- Roll into balls and then roll into extra cacao powder.
- Keep in the fridge or freezer until you are ready to eat and then enjoy!
If you love this recipe, see below for more chocolate recipes! As always all Healthy Grocery Girl recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free and predominately plant-based.
CHOCOLATE ORANGE HEART BITES
DARK CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CUPS
CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT TART
This video was created for the Limoneira YouTube Channel! Megan Roosevelt, RDN is the Spokesperson for Limoneira. To see all our tips & videos makes sure to visit & subscribe to the Limoneira YouTube Channel!
