Valentine’s Day may look a little different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are still some ways to enjoy this special day at home. I put together a few of my favorite guilt-free Valentine’s recipes to indulge in with your loved ones.
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Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles
There’s nothing better than a really good chocolate truffle. These decadent treats are unique because they are naturally-sweetened by dates and maple syrup. There are no added refined sugars. They’re even dairy-free! It’s important to get the Medjool dates. Sure they’re more expensive, but they are so tender and make this recipe amazing.
Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles
Ingredients
- ½ cup raw hazelnuts
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, unsweetened
- 2 tablespoon coconut flour
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil, melted
- 1½ tablespoon pure maple syrup
(https://theingredientguru.com/making-vanilla/)
- 1 t. vanilla extract
- ¼ tablespoon coarse sea salt
- Optional Coatings:
¼ cup hazelnuts or almonds, ground
¼ cup coconut flakes, finely shredded
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder + ¼ teaspoon each cayenne pepper and coarse salt
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder + ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
(https://theingredientguru.com/choosing-the-right-cinnamon/)
Instructions
- Place pitted dates in a small bowl filled with warm water and set aside to soak for 10-15 minutes
- Line an edged baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside
- Pour each whichever coatings you are using into wide mouth bowls (sufficient to roll truffles in)
- Add hazelnuts to a food processor and process until finely ground
- Remove the softened dates from the bowl, draining off excess water
- Add dates and cocoa powder to food processor blending until smooth, about 3-4 minutes
- Be sure to scrape the sides, as needed, to make sure ingredients are well combinedTip: If needed add a few drops of water to form a smooth consistency (be careful not to add too much).
- Add coconut flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the food processor and blend well until combined
- Remove the mixture from the food processor, dividing it into 15-18 equal-sized balls
- Roll each ball into one of the prepared coatings (whichever ones you are using)
- Once coated, place balls on the parchment-lined baking tray and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
2. Strawberries Romanoff
This updated twist on strawberries and cream is a wonderful and decadent dessert. Be sure to read the label on the heavy cream to make sure there are no negative ingredients such as carrageenan or polysorbate 80 in the container. You want a carton that contains only cream. In order to make the cream whip well, it’s best to put your bowl and your whisk in the freezer for one hour before whipping. The extra chill helps the cream to whip well.
Strawberries Romanoff
Ingredients
- 1 pound strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced lengthwise
- 1 cup organic heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cane juice crystals
- 1 tablespoon grand marnier (or use organic orange extract for a non-alcoholic version)
Instructions
- After slicing, the strawberries can be covered and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve
- Pour heavy cream, cane juice crystals, and grand marnier (or extract) into chilled bowl and whip until firm peaks appear
- Place strawberries in individual serving bowls and top with whipped cream
3. Almond Valentine Cookies
When it comes to Valentine’s Day treat’s let’s be honest if it’s heart-shaped that’s usually a pretty good start. Having a set of assorted size heart cookie cutters means you can add a little love to anything brownies, sheet pan pancakes, cookies, and more. You don’t have to save the hearts for Valentine’s Day either. Use them anytime you want to let someone know you love them.
