When the weather starts to take on a bitter chill, and the city is covered in a blanket of beautiful white snow, I know it’s time to break out the gingerbread. There’s just something about the warm, fragrant spices that’s so comforting. I often turn to this tried and true recipe for gingerbread cupcakes with brown sugar cream cheese frosting when I need my gingerbread fix.
That’s the thing about winter. You just want to cuddle up in big, bulky sweaters – unaware as to what all that comfort food is doing to your waist line. Which is why I set out to disguise my favorite winter comfort food as a healthy truffle that’s chocolate-free! Medjool dates have a great fudgy quality that makes them the perfect raw and healthy base for decadent truffles. They’re virtually fat free, rich in potassium, and a great source of dietary fiber.
Sure, there was a time when dates looked like cockroaches, and I wouldn’t go near them with a ten foot pole. But when I finally took he plunge, there was no going back. How can you go wrong with sweet syrupy chews that are virtually guilt-free? They make a great addition to smoothies, granola bars, and even salads.
If you haven’t picked up on this month’s link-up theme just yet, it’s all about comfort food! Read on for a collection of decadent comforting recipes that are sure to keep you warm all winter long!
Gingerbread Truffles
1/4 cup ground almonds
15 medjool dates, pitted
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp cloves
1 tbsp molasses
For coating: cocoa powder, cinnamon, coconut, chopped nuts or cookie crumbs (gingersnap, Lotus cookies or spiced biscuits).
Method:
Remove and set aside. Add all ingredients (besides for coating) to the food processor and mix until a ball forms (see picture). If the mixture does not pull away from the sides of the bowl, add a little more ground almonds. With wet hands, form the dough into balls and roll in coating of your choice.
Makes approximately 10 truffles.
PACKAGING OPTION: for a play on rustic homemade toffee, add a bit more ground almonds to make the dates less sticky. Do not roll in crumbs. Wrap portions in parchment paper, twisting the ends to resemble candy wrappers.
Related Recipes:
gingerbread cupcakes with brown sugar cream cheese frosting
gingerbread cookies
Ooh… I love truffles. These sound delicious.
I made these and they are as decadent as they are delicious! Guilt-free, moist, and soft they are the perfect finish to a nice meal. They came out exactly as pictured. I also like that the spice blend and almonds take the edge off the sweetness of the dates which I find can be too sweet at times. Thanks, Chanie! You did it again!
I love that you made these with dates. Looks so good!
what a psyche out! lucky I love dates :-)
i love making these date truffles and flavoring them in different ways. these sound perfect!
I love dates so much that i hesitate to buy them because I overeat. These truffles look so wonderful, I bet dates together with gingersnaps is a sensation.
I have seen so many recipes for these raw type of chocolates using dates, but have been scared to try them. I love this picture though and I love the flavors, maybe I will take the leap.
These would probably be great frozen too! Gingerbread is one of my favorites too! Great combo.
these look amazing! I love dates and also used to hate them because they really do look like roaches!
I love that these truffles are healthy but totally delicious. Gingerbread is one of my favorite flavors, I will have to try these soon.
yes, i feel the same way about dates. they look like cockroaches but i still love them!! and i am so scared of cockroaches i used to call my doorman to come up and take care of them for me.
Love these raw truffles and all the fragrant spices. Nice job!
These look amazing! They look just like chocolate, and would make a beautiful gift! These would be perfect for passover if you could find a good cookie substitute.
I just made these and they are awesome and just what I needed to satisfy my sweet tooth. I will definitely be making this again!
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed them!