Signature Recipes

Dangerous Date Dots

By Susie Norris, from Chocolate Bliss

Read article about Chef Norris and see her recipe for Black Forest Cupcakes.

1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup roasted, salted cashews
10 pitted dates, preferably Medjool
3 tablespoons agave syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup shredded coconut
2 tablespoons cocoa butter (or flavorless oil such as canola or safflower)
Toasted ribbon, flaked or sliced coconut, for garnish

Combine the almonds and cashews in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the dates, agave syrup, vanilla, cocoa powder and 1/4 cup of the shredded coconut and pulse until combined. Melt the chocolate and pour into the mixture. Process until smooth. Form into the shape of a log about 1 inch in diameter, wrap in plastic and chill for about 20 minutes.

Unwrap the log and slice it into even 1/2-inch pieces. Take each piece and roll it between your palm until it forms a compact ball. Decorate each ball with the remaining 1/4 cup shredded coconut and ribbon coconut.