Ronda Priestner’s Deep Chocolate Truffles

This Valentine’s Day you can enjoy your sweet treats and benefit from them as well. Decadent chocolate truffles that melt in your mouth, formulated for optimal brain chemistry and overall improved health? It sounds too good to be true, but it’s not. This adored delicacy will soothe your soul, create oxytocin, boost your libido, and deliver dense nutrients all in one little morsel.

These truffles are made with the Mars/Venus Super Foods shake mix which is loaded with a variety of superfoods, and is specifically created to establish healthy brain chemistry that supports men and women in today’s demanding and high stress world.

Some of the additional ingredients in this recipe provide their own benefits as well. Molasses is an excellent source of potassium, calcium and iron. Coconut oil, one of the top “good fats,” is stored in the body solely as energy, and contains Laurel acid which contains anti-viral properties. Cinnamon is liver loving, has been found to regulate blood sugar levels, and is prized for its potential anti-bacterial and anti-fungal qualities that make it effective against Candida, a bacteria that causes stomach ulcers. Goji berries are widely considered to slow the aging process and help the body fend against disease, while delivering 500 percent more Vitamin C than most fruits.  They are also effective in treating mild depression. Cacao is extremely high in iron and anti-oxidants and stimulates the “love” hormone in the brain. Maca powder, an adaptogen grown in the high altitudes of Peru, is beneficial for hormonal balance and boosts your libido, energy and focus. Cayenne pepper diminishes pain signals headed for the brain and jumpstarts your metabolism. The nuts contained in the truffles are bountiful in minerals such as selenium (brazil nuts), arginine and magnesium (almonds), and Omega-3s (walnuts). Pine nuts are nature’s only source of Pinolenic acid, which stimulates hormones and helps diminish your appetite.

Indulge in these elegant truffles simply for curative qualities and rich flavors of wellness.

Deep Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients

Makes 24 truffles

2 scoops Mars/Venus shake mix

1 tablespoon molasses

1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil (liquefied)

1 tablespoon of each nut finely chopped in a mini Cuisinart: Pine nuts, almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts (reserve some ground nuts for dusting truffles)

2 teaspoons of finely chopped orange rind

2 teaspoons of Cacao (reserve additional tablespoon for dusting truffles)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon finely chopped Goji berries (also in mini Cuisinart)

Instructions

1.     Line a plate sheet pan or plate with plastic wrap and set aside.

2.     In a large bowl, mix the Mars/Venus shake mix, molasses and oil until smooth.

3.     Add nuts, orange rind, cacao and cinnamon. Mix with a wooden spoon until all is blended

4.     Scoop a heaping teaspoon of truffle mix into clean hands, and mold into ball shapes.

5.     Roll ¼ of the balls into cacao powder and place on plate, roll ¼ of the balls into the nuts and place on plate, dust ¼  of the balls with sea salt and place on plate, roll 1/4 in finely chopped Goji berries and place on plate.

6.     Cover the plate of truffles with plastic wrap and freeze for 15 minutes before serving.  May be served at any time after 15 minutes.

For a variety in truffles:

Antioxidant Blast Truffle

1 tablespoon of dried blueberries (finely chopped)

1 tablespoon of dried tart cherries (finely chopped)

Add to the Deep Chocolate Truffle recipe above.

Libido Lift Truffle

1 tablespoon Maca powder

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Add to the Deep Chocolate Truffle recipe above.

Gingersnap Truffle

1 teaspoon minced ginger

1 teaspoon ground cloves

½ teaspoon Chinese five-spice

Add to the Deep Chocolate Truffle recipe above

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A long-time advocate of John Gray’s work, Ronda Priestner has worked as an exclusive chef and wellness consultant for private citizens and celebrities alike throughout the world. During her career as the Body, Mind and Spirit Chef, she instructed workshops and clients on weight management, energy optimization, and other daily life concerns through an easy approach to nutrition and lifestyle choices. Ronda has traveled extensively throughout the West Indies, the South Pacific, as well as South, Central, and North America, researching medicinal and native foods that formed the basis of many of her dishes.

Her own desire for optimal fitness and well-being led her to create a style of nutritious haute cuisine for specialty diets and natural living. As the owner and director of FitWise Pilates and Wellness in El Cerrito, California. Ronda also teaches pilates, brain fitness and movement to heal, function, rehabilitate and strengthen both body and soul. Visit her at www.fitwisepilates.com