Speed Vegan Publisher: The Book Publishing Company © 2010 by Alan Roettinger ISBN: 157067244X

Reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Book Publishing Company.

Nutty Chocolate Balls (p.164)
Makes about 24 balls

These are not to be confused with chocolate truffles (which, when properly prepared, are a near-religious experience), but they're quite scrumptious in their own right. I'm partial to hazelnuts, especially in combination with chocolate, but virtually any nut butter will produce delicious results. Use the best quality cocoa you can find --- always!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder

• 1/2 cup roasted hazelnut butter

• 1/2 cup agave nectar

• 1 cup chopped roasted hazelnuts or pecans

Directions

Combine the cocoa powder, hazelnut butter, and agave nectar in a small bowl and mix thoroughly. Cover and put in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes --- just long enough for it to firm up slightly.

Spread the hazelnuts on a small plate.

Remove the cocoa mixture from the freezer. Scoop out a small amount (about 2 teaspoons) of the mixture and form a ball. Roll the ball in the hazelnuts, pressing lightly to coat, and place on a clean plate. Repeat with the remaining cocoa mixture and nuts. Serve at once, or store in the refrigerator and eat at will.

Per serving: calories: 92, protein: 2 g, fat: 7 g, carbohydrate: 7 g, fiber: 2 g, sodium: 1 mg, omega_3 fatty acids: 0 g