100gramsquality dark chocolatechopped – I used 80% cacao (about 3/4 cup chopped)
1tablespooncoconut oil
Instructions
Place soaked cashews in your food processor and blend for a few minutes, until you get a creamy consistency. Add chopped dates and blend again. Then add pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger and a good pinch of sea salt. Blend until all the ingredients are well combined and you get a creamy paste (it might take a few minutes).
Transfer the mixture into a small bowl and place in the freezer for 30-45 minutes, or until very firm.
When the paste has firmed up, take it out of the freezer. Scoop out mixture using a ½ teaspoon and place onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you are able to shape balls by rolling the mixture between your hands, do so. If it’s still too sticky and soft at this point, that’s ok. Simply form little mounds and set the tray back in the freezer for another 30 minutes, or until the mounds are firm enough to roll.
Place a double boiler (or a stainless bowl placed over a pot of water) on low heat and bring to a simmer. Add the coconut oil and chopped chocolate and whisk. Let melt slowly until you have a thin chocolate sauce.
Remove the tray from the freezer. Roll each mound between your palms to form little balls.
Using two forks, dip each ball in the melted chocolate, until completely covered. Scoop the ball out with the fork and let the extra chocolate drip off.
Gently place each truffle back on the parchment lined sheet. Set the tray back in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes, or until the chocolate has firmed up. Dust with extra cinnamon before serving. Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
*To make pumpkin puree, slice a pumpkin in half, remove seeds, and place the two halves cut side down in a baking dish or baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 50 minutes at 400F (cooking time will vary depending on the size of your pumpkin), or until the flesh is really soft. Scrape flesh and place in your food processor or blender. Pulse until you get a smooth puree.