In raw cacao there is a neurotransmitter called Anandamide or the “bliss molecule”. It is aptly named after ananda, the sanskrit word for Joy, bliss or happiness. This neurotransmitter does a lot more than produce a state of heightened happiness! It also is synthesized in the brain in areas that are important in memory, motivation, higher thought processes and movement control. Make sure that you use raw cacao in the filling. I dipped mine in raw chocolate as well however you can use a high quality dark chocolate instead. You can find the Raw Chocolate recipe under desserts. Make a batch of these bliss balls for your valentine!
Ingredients:
- 15 pitted medjool dates (They should be soft)
- 3 heaping tbsp. of raw cacao powder
- 1 cup of finely ground almonds (either ground in a food processor or bought as almond flour)
- 1/3 cup of raw unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tsp. of pure vanilla extract
- 1 batch of raw chocolate, melted or 1 bar of high quality dark chocolate melted over a double boiler
- 1/4 cup of cacao nibs to decorate
In your food processor combine the dates, cacao powder, almonds, coconut and vanilla. Process until the mixture comes together when you squeeze it into a ball.
Roll the mixture into 1 inch balls with your hands. You can pop them in the fridge to firm up a bit before dipping in chocolate. If they are cold when you dip them the chocolate will also set up faster!
Melt chocolate over a double boiler. Using a fork, roll the balls around in the melted chocolate and then place on a parchment lined cookie sheet to set. Sprinkle each ball with a few cacao nibs. Allow to set either at room temperature or in the fridge.