Raw Chocolate Orange Truffles

With Halloween Eve upon us, my mind is on the candy. Last week, in preparation for this sweet holiday, I shared a Halloween Candy Round-up with some truly amazing candy recipes from around the blogosphere and refurbished my Salted Caramel Corn post from many months ago. But yesterday I was motivated to make a healthy Halloween candy to be enjoyed without risking cavities and stomach aches. These raw truffles are so delicious AND healthy that I feel okay about sharing little bits with Eden as she experiences her first Halloween.

Raw Chocolate Orange Truffles
makes about 24

1 cup pitted dates
1 cup walnuts
up to 2 tbsp water, if necessary
3 tbsp raw cocoa powder (plus more for dusting)
1 tbsp agave nectar
1/2 tsp orange extract
pinch of salt

In a medium bowl soak dates and walnuts for at least 30 minutes.  Drain and transfer to a food processor. Blend until mostly smooth. Depending on the strength of your food processor/blender, you may need to add water at this point to blend fully. Add slowly and do not exceed 2 tbsp.

Add remaining ingredients and blend again until well combined. Transfer to a small bowl, cover, and place in refrigerator for 1 hour until truffle “dough” has hardened enough to mold.

Roll into rounded teaspoons. Toss in extra cocoa powder and return to refrigerator to harden for at least 1 hour.

Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Happy Halloween everyone! What are your sweet and scary plans?