Almond~Date Amaretto Truffles

“Christmas cookies and happy hearts, this is how the holiday starts.”  Unknown

Truffles denote decadence,sophistication and a guilty pleasure.  These sweet little morsels only taste like it!  These healthy truffles get their natural sweetness from the dates, are gluten free and take but a few minutes to assemble.  With the aromatic flavoring of almonds, cocoa, orange juice and Amaretto liqueur, they are a perfect little addition to your sweet holiday offerings.  The Amaretto makes them just a little bit naughty but the wholesome ingredients make them nice!  They are made directly in the food processor for no fuss, easy clean up.  A guilt-free sweet little nugget!

• Servings: 30
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adapted from Sweet Paul

10 oz container of  pitted dates softened in 1 c boiling water

10 oz ground almonds(measure with the empty date container!)

2 T cocoa powder

juice of a large orange

2 T Amaretto liqueur

1 c flaked coconut for coating( sweetened or unsweetened is fine)

Drain the dates.  Place all ingredients except the coconut, in the bowl of a food processor.  Pulse on high speed until you have a sticky “dough”.  You may need to add a few tablespoons of additional liquid, either more Amaretto or orange juice, if the mixture is too thick.  Using your hands, roll tablespoon sized balls to make about 30 truffles and set them on a sheet of waxed paper.  Roll each one in the coconut to coat. Other coating options include chopped pistachios, cocoa powder or powdered sugar.  May be frozen for a month in an airtight tin.