DARK CHOCOLATE TURTLES
Christmas time isn’t quite Christmas without a few of your favorite treats. I am a big believer that balance in all things is best, and I completely encourage you to go eat a few bites of your favorite Christmas treats. At the same, time, I think it is important to not throw out all of your good habits during the holidays. This dark chocolate turtles recipe is great because not only do you get a delicious chocolate, caramel treat, but it is better for you than the high-sugar alternative.
Health Benefits of Dates:
Dates are becoming a more popular substitute for sugar. Dates are a naturally sweetened fruit that can be found near the produce aisle at your local grocery store. They will usually be found dry, and you can get them either pitted or not-pitted. For this recipe, and for most recipes I would say, you will want to buy dry, pitted dates.
Like many fruits, dates are high in potassium and manganese. These are two nutrients that are difficult for the normal American diet to consume.
Surprisingly, dates are also high in vitamin B6 and iron. These nutrients are usually found in animal proteins, so this is a special benefit that comes from consuming dates.
Another amazing benefits in this fruit is that they are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. Many studies say that one of the best ways to increase longevity is by increasing antioxidants.
Most importantly, dates are high in fiber. With about 7g of fiber per serving of dates, the fiber in this fruit helps with blood sugar control. Most desserts using normal white sugar which is know to have a high glycemic index, resulting in a fast spike of blood sugar. This is especially concerning for diabetics, but for all people, a lower glycemic index is beneficial to good health. The lower the glycemic index the better you will feel, the less sugar headaches you will get, and the more your body will be able to breakdown sugars.
Tips for making dark chocolate turtles:
Food Processor/Blender: If you don’t have a food processor, don’t worry! I have made this recipe with both a food processor and a Blendtec and both turn out about about the same. If you decide to blend, it is going to take a little bit more time. Pulse the mixture, stirring with a spoon occasionally. Because the mixture doesn’t have much liquid, and is just a small amount of dates, you will continually need to push the mixture towards the blender blades. Don’t get too discouraged, it will work and the turtles will be worth it! Trust me!
Salt: If you like a salted dark chocolate taste, feel free to top the turtles with a touch of sea salt. I recommend adding the salt after you let the turtles sit in the fridge. If you do it before it may sink into the chocolate.
Storing: Whether you are eating the turtles right away, or storing them for later when you are craving a sweet treat, storing works great! Store them in the freezer for best results. the refrigerator will work also. If you don’t store cold, they will most likely melt due to the coconut oil.
INGREDIENTS
12 pitted Medjool dates (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup dark chocolate
1/2 tsp coconut oil
45 pecan halves
INSTRUCTIONS
Place the pitted dates in either a blender or food processor. Make sure that your dates are already pitted, or take out the pits yourself before blending. Pulse the dates until completely blended. If you don’t have a food processor, see notes for best tips*
Once the dates are completely blended, roll into one large ball. It should be sticky. Wrap the ball of dates in plastic wrap, and freeze for 20-30 minutes. This is not necessary but is helpful to make it less sticky.
After freezing the dates, take out the ball and split it into 15 equal small portions. Roll the small amount of dates into little balls.
Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay out the pecan halves into 15 sets of 3 on the parchment paper. Press the small date balls onto the top of the 3 pecans. Press it down that that it covers about half of each of the pecans. This should make them stuck together.
In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate and the coconut oil. Heat in increments of 30 seconds, stirring in between. Once completely melted, spoon chocolate over the dates and pecans.
Place turtles in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens, then enjoy!! Store in the fridge, or freezer if storing long term.
NUTRITION
Makes 15 turtles
87 calories
1g protein (4%)
19g carbs (69%)
3g fat (27%)
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