Raw Chocolate Goji Berry Bites

A red and green speckled treat that says "Christmas" without the unhealthy sugar overload. These healthy bites contain tons of antioxidants, protein, vitamins and minerals. Raw cacao and goji berries are what makes these rich in antioxidants, and oh so rich in flavor. We needed a break from all the lovely (but unhealthy) Christmas treats for a week, so I have been back on my raw dessert craze. These guys are super simple to whip up, delicious treats, and will make your body oh-so-very-happy.

Ingredients
1 cup raw cashews
1 cup raw almonds
1/4 cup raw cacao
2 tablespoons raw agave
1-2 tablespoons water
1/3 cup goji berries
1/3 cup raw pepitas (or raw sunflower seeds)

If using pepitas, I suggest giving them a whirl in the food processor to break them up into smaller pieces. Then combine the pepitas (or sunflower seeds if using instead) and the goji berries in a small mixing bowl. Process the cashews and almonds in a food processor until they resemble a fine meal. Add the raw cacao, pulse to combine. Add the raw agave, blend until well incorporated. Now, add a tablespoon of water at a time until the mixture starts to whirl around as a big sticky ball (I used 2 tablespoons water). You may have to scrape down the sides a few times and move the dough around until the water is fully incorporated and the mixture is the same texture throughout. Transfer this mixture to the small mixing bowl and, using your hands, incorporate the gojis and pepitas. Using a small cookie scoop, make rounded spoonfuls of dough and roll them in your hands before placing on a plate to freeze. If your dough is a little too sticky to handle, place the bowl in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to firm up a bit. After rolling and freezing the balls in the freezer for 20 minutes, transfer them to an airtight container and keep in the freezer (or refrigerator) until ready to eat. I like keeping them in the freezer because the goji berries turn crunchy!

Raw Cookie Sandwiches

Raw chocolate cookies with vanilla coconut cashew cream sandwiched between them! What is not to like about these healthy and sweet goodies?! Unless you don't like chocolate (craziness) or coconut (I know some of you exist), but for the rest of us our mouths are watering. I was standing in my kitchen last week with all my nuts, dried fruit and raw sweeteners in front of me determined to create a new raw dessert, and this is what happened. After chilling them for a while I took a bite, and the sweet fig and rich cacao hit my pallet first, and then the vanilla, which was followed by the mellow sweet hint of coconut. With so many wonderful flavors, I just had to share this recipe with you guys. 

Yields about 8 large cookie sandwiches. 

Vanilla Coconut Cashew Cream

1 cup raw cashews

1 tablespoon raw honey

1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil

1-2 teaspoons filtered water

Chocolate Cookies

1 cup raw cashews

1 cup raw almonds

1/4 cup raw cacao powder

1/2 cup dried figs (or dates, pitted and chopped)

2 tablespoons raw agave nectar

1-2 tablespoons filtered water

Begin by making your cashew cream. Blend the cashews in a food processor until it resembles a coarse meal, then add the honey and coconut oil. Blend again, and add in a teaspoon of water at a time until the mixture is creamy (but still thick). Scoop the cashew cream into a bowl and set aside. Now in the same food processor bowl, start making your chocolate cookies by adding the cashews, almonds, and raw cacao. Blend until it is a coarse meal, then add in the figs (or dates) and agave. Blend until well incorporated and kind of crumbly. Now add in a tablespoon of water at a time until it forms a sticky and cohesive ball. Scoop two tablespoons worth of dough at a time, roll into balls, and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the chocolate balls for 15 minutes, then remove and lay a new sheet of parchment paper over the top. Take a drinking glass and smash each dough ball into a flat disk about 1/4 inch thick. Spoon the cashew cream onto half of the chocolate cookie disks, and place an additional cookie disk on top to create your raw sandwiches. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Raw Cacao Coconut Truffles

These delicious little morsels are packed with nutrition. They contain healthy fats, protein, and vitamins from the raw nuts, and the most delicious antioxidant rich superfood, raw cacao. Not to mention delicious coconut and raw agave nectar! Even threw in some raw sweetened cacao nibs for extra sweet chocolatey goodness. These are so healthy you can eat them guiltlessly as a snack in the middle of the day, or save them for a sweet dessert later. 

Ingredients

1 cup raw almonds

1 cup raw cashews

1 cup organic unsweetened coconut, shaved/shredded

1/3 cup raw cacao powder

1/3 cup raw cacao nibs (sweetened or unsweetened)

3 tablespoons raw agave nectar (or more if you like 'em super sweet!)

2-3 tablespoons water

Combine the nuts and coconut in a food processor, and process until they resemble a coarse meal. Then add in the raw cacao, and pulse to combine. Next, add the agave and a tablespoon of water. Pulse, scrape down sides, pulse, and repeat until it turns into a sticky glob. Add in the additional tablespoons of water one at a time if needed. 

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, shape the mixture into small balls and roll in additional coconut (if desired). Then place them on a plate and freeze for at least 20-30 minutes. Transfer them to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to eat.