Cocoa Walnut Truffles - A Valentine's Treat

This is one of those rare recipes that you just can't believe is actually good for you, and it is simple.
Walnuts, Dates, Cocoa...end of story.

I owe the discovery of this recipe to my mother's recent infatuation with raw food. She ingeniously took a raw brownie recipe and turned it into truffles. The tiny bite sized portion is just right for this rich (but still healthy) treat!

Cocoa Walnut Truffles -
An easy, fun treat to make for your Valentine's sweetheart, or sweethearts.

1 1/2 cups Medjool dates
2 cups Walnuts
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa (raw cocoa or regular cocoa)
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch salt
+ 1/3 C cocoa for rolling truffles

1. Remove pits from dates. Put dates in a bowl and cover with warm water for 5 minutes.
2. Chop nuts in a food processor until fine. Place in a bowl.
3. Remove dates from bowl and reserve water. Place dates in the food processor with cocoa, vanilla and a pinch of salt. Pulse until mixture is smooth. Add a spoonful or two of reserved date water if the mixture is too thick to blend. Add walnuts and pulse once or twice to incorporate.
4. Using a teaspoon or very small ice cream scoop, portion the mixture into small scoops on a piece of waxed paper. Roll the balls between your hands gently to form a smooth ball. Quickly toss each ball in the cocoa. Place truffles in tiny muffin papers if desired. Store in an air tight container.

These truffles make a wonderful gift, or a nice treat at the end of a special meal. 

Truffles will keep well for several weeks.