Healthier fruit & nut chocolate truffles

I've been on a bit of a health kick lately. Spring has a way of doing that to me. But no matter how healthy I aspire to be, I will always have a sweet tooth. I always need that sweet little bite of something-something after I finish dinner.

... And these little chocolate truffles definitely hit the spot. I call them "guilt-free truffles" (although that is a total lie, because they definitely contain fat... but it is all good fat, and we all need a bit of that!).

So here's a recipe for healthier chocolate truffles... made with ground almonds, dried figs, nut butter, coconut oil, and honey. And they are SO SO GOOD!

ps: they make a wonderfully nutritious protein-rich snack for toddlers too!

Read on for the recipe...

Healthier Fruit & Nut Chocolate Truffles

1 cup blanched almonds
3/4 cup coconut oil
3 Tablespoons honey
1 cup nut butter (I used smooth almond butter)
1 cup finely chopped dried figs
2 Tablespoons cocoa powder

2 cups dried coconut (for coating truffles)

Roast almonds on a baking sheet at 350 degrees until golden and fragrant, about 6 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Meanwhile melt the honey and coconut oil together in a small saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in the nut butter.
In a food processor, grind the almonds, chopped figs and cocoa powder. Then mix in the honey mixture until thoroughly combined.
Pour truffle mixture into a bowl and chill for at least 1 hour.

Scoop a small amount of chilled truffle mix and form into a ball between your palms (remember: they don't have to be perfectly shaped, try not to over-handle them or they will melt), and then roll the ball in the dried coconut to coat it evenly. Repeat.
Return the prepared truffles to the fridge until ready to serve.
Enjoy!
Makes about 30 truffles.