I made some raw vegan chocolate truffles today for a gathering I’m going to tomorrow, and thought I’d share the recipe with all you youtubee youtubers! It’s one of my favourite raw recipes because it’s super easy & quick, ridiculously yummy, and very pretty, especially if you roll the truffles in shredded coconut! They look like “real” truffles, and by real, I mean the typical kind you’d buy at a “real” gourmet chocolate store… but of course they’re way healthier!

Here’s the recipe: 3 cups walnuts, approx 1 cup dates (if you have a really big sweet tooth, add a few more, although totally not necessary!), 5 organic strawberries (you don’t have to add strawberries. You can add raspberries, orange, coconut meat or whatever you think will taste good), 6 tbsp raw cacao, 2 tbsp ground flax seed (optional). Pour the nuts in the food processor & puree (meaning blend, chop & let your processor do its thang!) Add in dates, strawberries & puree. Lastly, add cacao & continue to food process it up until it’s mixed up REAL good, ya hear? The mixture will be a bit gooey so I usually scoop the mixture out, put it in a bowl & then in the freezer for about a half hour so it stiffens up a bit. (This makes it easier to roll into balls.) Next, make truffle-sized balls with your hands by getting out your rollin’ hands & then roll them in shredded coconut or chopped nuts. I like to store these truffles in the freezer because they taste the best that way. You can keep them in the fridge, but trust me, they are better eaten right outta tha freezah! Don’t worry, you’re not going to chip a tooth or anything! I think because of all the fat (good, healthy fat) they don’t freeze like hard ice cubes. Enjoy!

I realized after uploading this video that I forgot to mention the song name & artist of the song I played. It’s called, “Strength, Courage and Wisdom” by India Aria. Here’s the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5×4w42hv7k While you’re at it, listen to this one too! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOfhbLn8fw8

I recommend you listen to it, close your eyes, *really* feel it, groove on it! She’s such a wise lady and her words instantly uplift me! She talks about stepping out on faith in this song. To me, stepping out on faith means connecting to my heart. Faith is something you feel with your heart! When I’m connected to my heart, that is when I feel strength, courage & wisdom- these three things alone give me what I need to really pursue my passions, follow my bliss & know, without a shred of doubt that I’ll always be supported! Strength, courage & wisdom also allows me to speak my truth confidently! To shine my light! We are all here to find our truth, do what makes us happy & shine our light! When you have faith in yourself & that the Universe wants to support you, nothing stops you from allowing all the things you truly desire into your life! Here’s one of my favourite lines from the song, “Now that I’ve opened up my heart I know that anything I want can be, so let it be, so let it be…”

In love, light, raw chocolate truffles & groovy (and insightful) music,

Leija, a.k.a. Kermit the Frog/ Yoda/ Raw Chocolate Hybrid Freak!

Duration : 0:8:28

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Traditional Gourmet Cooking with a Twist! Chef extraordinaire David Forestell shares straightforward recipes that can turn you into a gourmet cook. His humor, passion and culinary expertise collide to create food that will tempt and inspire you – with ingredients that are as close as your local supermarket. Super and Spice and everything nice, that’s what Chef David Forestell will be cooking. From classic deserts to recipies with a savory spin, they will all tempt your taste buds. Chocolate: Chocolate Pork Mole. Chocolate Souffle. Chocolate Ganache Cake. Honey: Honey Semi-Freddo with Honey Pears. Duck with Honey & Fois Gras. Honey & Marmalade Pudding. Sugar: Sweet & Sour Pork. Pineapple Carpaccio. Black Sesame Dumplings.

Duration : 0:0:53

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Duration : 0:1:55

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Expert: Marlene Spiegel
Contact: www.mspiegel.mywildtree.com
Bio: As Founding Team Leader of Wildtree, Marlene Spiegel realizes the importance of healthy, nutritious products that can turn every meal into a gourmet feast in minutes.
Filmmaker: Suzie Vigoin

Duration : 0:3:7

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Expert: Terri Turco
Bio: Terri Turco is a clothing designer, interior decorator, consummate baker, and lifestyle diva.
Filmmaker: Louis Nathan

Duration : 0:1:18

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Expert: Marlene Spiegel
Contact: www.mspiegel.mywildtree.com
Bio: As Founding Team Leader of Wildtree, Marlene Spiegel realizes the importance of healthy, nutritious products that can turn every meal into a gourmet feast in minutes.
Filmmaker: Suzie Vigoin

Duration : 0:3:10

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Expert: Sarah Darley
Bio: Sarah Darley owns Sar-Bear’s Cheesecakes in Lansing MI. She has been making cheesecakes for over 5 years.
Filmmaker: Robert Rogers

Duration : 0:3:3

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Expert: Sarah Darley
Bio: Sarah Darley owns Sar-Bear’s Cheesecakes in Lansing MI. She has been making cheesecakes for over 5 years.
Filmmaker: Robert Rogers

Duration : 0:3:38

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Duration : 0:4:37

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