'Terry's' Chocolate Orange Truffles

I go a bit cooking mad around kitchen.

Now this is saying something because I tend to be a bit obsessive most months of the year. As soon as I get a idea I like to make it straight away. Sometimes this means working late into the night, eating dessert for breakfast or a total disregard for who I was actually supposed to be doing (does the housework really need to be done anyway?!). Thankfully, 4-year-old H loves to vacuum!

Most years I have ended up with a Christmas favourite that I end up cooking for everybody. Last year it was gingerbread houses, the year before it was gingerbread men wreaths. This year it's been these truffles. The only problem... they don't last long enough to share!

Oh so tasty. These little balls of Christmas cheer are decadent without being naughty, and they're vegan friendly!

I've called these 'Terry's Chocolate Orange Truffles' after the British Chocolate Candy, and my friend Terri. Terri and her family are vegans, and she can rarely eat any of the treats I make. Finally I found something that we can all enjoy; and enjoy them you will!

'TERRY'S' CHOCOLATE ORANGE TRUFFLES
(Makes 13 truffles or 1 small orange and 5 truffles)

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups dates
1 1/2 teaspoons Orange Rind
1/3 cup blanched almonds (or another nut)
1 1/2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
1/4 teaspoon Cardamom
1 1/2 tablespoons Cocoa
1/4 cup Desiccated coconut

INSTRUCTIONS
Place all the ingredients, except the coconut, in a blender and process until well combined.

Option 1. Divide the mixture into even portions and roll into balls.
Roll the balls in the coconut and refrigerate.

Option 2. Cut an orange in half and remove the insides.
Spoon mixture into the orange halves and press the mixture into the Coconut.
Press the 2 halves together.
Cut the orange again, creating quarters.
Press the newly made segments into the Coconut so that all the chocolate edges are coated in coconut. 
Put the quarters together and wrap.