We are so excited to have Charlotte, North Carolina’s own Chef Alyssa join our blog for the next six months. Her recipes are centered around natural, organic ingredients to create lively and delicious dishes everyone can enjoy. We hope you love her recipes as much as we do. Rumor has it Joel Harper, Dr. Oz‘s personal trainer, loved these at the NC Fitness Expo!

One thing I love and crave is chocolate…and I don’t just crave it once in a while, it’s almost everyday. Don’t we all have that sweet tooth vise? These truffles blend the anti-oxidant boosting raw cacao with healthy coconut oil creating a luscious dessert complex in flavor and sure to satisfy that sweet tooth. I make these a lot at home because I can easily change up the flavors. Although the recipe is an orange-almond flavor, you can substitute cayenne pepper for some sweet-heat or toss in some nuts or dried fruit for some texture. Once you try these, you’ll see how easy it is!

Raw Cacao-Coconut Truffles

Nothing's better than to have a dessert that won't wreck your diet!

Makes 12-15

Ingredients:

1½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

½ cup Kelapo Coconut Oil

¼ cup raw almond butter

1 cup cacao powder

¼ cup + 2 Tbsp honey

1 Tbsp pure almond extract

Zest of one orange

Juice of half orange

1/2 tsp pink Himalayan or sea salt

Optional flavors: cinnamon, vanilla, cayenne pepper, dried fruit

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix with a wooden spoon until everything is incorporated and smooth.  Using a spoon or small scoop, portion the truffles.  Roll in additional coconut flakes, cocoa powder or orange zest while still tacky on the outside.  Let sit in the fridge for about 10 minutes before devouring; this way they can set as the coconut oil firms up.

-Chef Alyssa, www.chefalyssaskitchen.com