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Vegan Chocolate Truffles

Feb 14, 2024

Vegan Chocolate Truffles

Feb 14, 2024

Vegan Chocolate Truffles

A Plant-Based Approach to Self-Love and Nourishment for Vegan Chocolate Truffles

Indulge in Love with these Vegan Valentine’s Day recipes and Menu Ideas! This post can be a go-to guide for planning a cruelty-free and delicious celebration. I will share a creative and nutrient-filled plant-based Valentine’s chocolate truffle recipe to help you create a unique and memorable Valentine’s Day.

What is on your schedule for Valentine’s Day?

Embarking on a culinary journey with delicious vegan chocolate truffles opens the door to more than just the art of making sweets; it’s an exploration of self-love and nourishment through the lens of culinary medicine. These delicacies, crafted from plant-based ingredients, serve not only as a testament to the richness of vegan cuisine but also as a means to nurture the body and soul. 

Vegan chocolate truffles can stand out for their wholesome, natural ingredients in vegan recipes. Each component is chosen for its flavor and health benefits, offering a symphony of antioxidants, minerals, and heart-healthy fats. 

Creating vegan truffles is a meditation on treating ourselves with kindness and respect. It’s a reminder that nourishment goes beyond the nutritional value of our food; it’s about the joy and love infused in the cooking process. By selecting ingredients that are kind to our bodies and the planet, we consciously choose to nourish ourselves holistically.

I’d love to invite you to explore vegan chocolate truffles not just as a dessert but as an embodiment of culinary medicine and self-love. As we delve into the world of vegan truffles, we celebrate the power of food as medicine and the profound impact of mindful eating on our well-being. Let this journey be a delicious ode to self-nourishment, where each truffle is a small yet potent act of self-affirmation.

Why Choose Vegan Chocolate for Your Truffles

Opting for vegan chocolate in your truffles is a choice that resonates with both heart and conscience. Vegan chocolate, devoid of animal products, aligns with a compassionate lifestyle, ensuring that indulgence doesn’t come at the expense of others. Moreover, it often contains more cocoa, packing a richer, more intense flavor profile. The benefits of cacao are fascinating, and enjoying chocolate is a big part of Valentine’s Day. 

Vegan Chocolate Truffles vs. Traditional Truffles

Vegan chocolate truffles and their traditional counterparts may share a name, but the similarities often end there. They are made without dairy and lean into the natural richness of cocoa and the textures of plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or nut butter. This brings a kinder truffle to the planet and its inhabitants and offers a unique tasting experience. While delicious, traditional truffles rely on dairy to achieve their characteristic creaminess, a choice that is increasingly becoming less sustainable and ethical for many.

Ingredients for Vegan Chocolate Truffles

The beauty of vegan chocolate truffles lies in their simplicity and the quality of their ingredients. Key components include:

  • High-quality vegan dark cacao or cocoa, rich in antioxidants.
  • Coconut
  • Natural sweeteners like maple syrup or dates
  • Various flavorings such as vanilla extract, espresso, or botanical extracts. 
  • Plant superpowders like matcha, butterfly pea flower, rose and flower petals

Variations and Flavor Combinations for Vegan Chocolate Truffles

The versatility of vegan chocolate truffles allows for endless flavor explorations. Infuse your truffles with orange zest, peppermint extract, or a dash of sea salt to surprise the palate. Mix-ins like roasted nuts, dried fruits, or even a hint of chili can create a symphony of textures and tastes. For those adventurous in spirit, explore unconventional pairings such as lavender, matcha, or turmeric, blending the worlds of culinary and wellness in each decadent bite.

Creative and Nutrient-Filled Plant-Based Valentine’s Choc Truffle Recipe

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate love than with delicious, plant-based treats? Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or a cozy night in, these Vegan Valentine’s Recipes and Menu Ideas will make your time extra special. To kick things off, we’ll share a creative and nutrient-filled plant-based Valentine’s choc truffle recipe that will help you create a memorable Valentine’s Day. 

Introduction to the Plant-Based Valentine’s Truffle 

These indulgent choc truffles are decadent and delicious and packed with nutrients from wholesome plant-based ingredients. They are the great way to have a sweet treat without refined sugar too.

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When you buy the workshops and related ebooks, you get more than recipes and gain new skills, confidence, and perhaps a different perspective on cooking. These methods are simple to apply, turning your kitchen into a happy place for creative expression and culinary healing.

Are you prepared to go on this delectable adventure with me? Let’s grow, learn, and cook together!

Dr. Siri Chand Khalsa’s 5-week Plant-based Cooking Course for Stanford’s Division of Immunology & Rheumatology was a spectacular addition to our wellness program. Dr. Siri Chand created an inspired line up of unique yet easy recipes which she beautifully rendered into a recipe booklet, replete with her own eye-popping food photography. She masterfully taught us to cook delicious and visually appealing dishes including sheet-pan veggies with quinoa tabouli with cilantro chutney, and root vegetable purée soup with kale sauerkraut salad. Each lesson was made even more delightful with unapologetically delicious desserts like fruit crisp and chia pudding. Dr. Sir Chand’s profound knowledge of Ayurvedic cooking, combined with her allopathic training and additional expertise in Lifestyle Medicine, offers a unique perspective on eating for vitality. She radiates passion and compassions in every session, making the experience truly enriching. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from this culinary medicine master!

Neha S. Shah, MD

Neha S. Shah, MD (she/her/hers)
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine
Fellowship Program Director – Adult Rheumatology
Division of Immunology & Rheumatology
Department of Medicine
Stanford University Hospital & Clinics 

Vegan Valentine’s Menu Ideas

Now that we have a dessert sorted out let’s plan a complete vegan Valentine’s menu. Is it worth making a plant-based Valentine’s Day with your partner if you still determine their eating preferences? Ie. You have just started dating. Wisdom says it depends, and experience agrees. There is no one-size-fits-all about this. 

Appetizer: Heart-Healthy Avocado Bruschetta

Main Course: Creamy Vegan Mushroom Risotto and Bitter Greens Salad

Dessert: Vegan Cholate Truffles

If you would like the recipe and a longer instructional video sent to you, sign up here!

Get a copy of the recipe sent to your inbox with a link to a longer instructional video. If you’re passionate about plant-based living and looking for ways to nurture your body and soul, this recipe is for you!

Let’s Make These Amazing Truffles

Join me in celebrating seasonal recipes!

Incorporating these mindful choices into our meals helps us stay on a balanced, nutrient-rich, plant-forward lifestyle.

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Vegan Chocolate Truffle for Valentine’s Day


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  • Author: Dr. Siri Chand
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 1520 truffles 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Today, we’re making Vegan Chocolate Truffles, a delightful treat that’s more than just a dessert. It’s a step towards embracing self-care and mindfulness through food.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup pitted dates soaked in hot water
  • 1 cup raw unsalted cashews soaked in hot water. You can combine other nuts and seeds like hemp or sunflower seeds. These don’t mean to be soaked. You can also use premade nut butter, though I recommend using about 75% less, so if you’re using the recipe at the scale, it would be about three-quarters cup of your nut butter.
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened raw cacao or cocoa powder (I used cacao and a vegan hot choc mix)
  • 1 tbsp melted coconut oil (can omit)
  • 1/2 tsp up to 1 tsp teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1 tbsp “add-ins”. These are so fun to think about. In this recipe, I used rose powder, cardamom, and Brahmi, though if you are using botanicals, please review your medical conditions and medications with your doctor. Other options include orange zest, mint, lavender, cayenne, cinnamon, or coconut

Toppings

  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
  • Plant powders: butterfly pea flower powder, rose, matcha, orange zest
    edible organic flowers (rose, violet, lavender, chamomile, and calendula- not all flowers are edible, so do check before using)

You may need to adjust ratios based on the dates. I made this with fresh ones; they only needed to soak a bit.


Instructions

1. Soak the dates with 1 cup of hot water for 30 min and strain.
2. Soak the cashews with 1 cup of hot water for at least 30 minutes and strain.
3. Puree the cashews and pulse until a thick paste is formed (You can see a video uploaded to the post that gives you a sense of the texture you need).
4. Add the soaked dates and pulse until a thick paste is formed.
5. Add coconut oil (if using). It adds a slightly creamier dimension, but some people prefer not to have any added fat in their food.
6. Combine remaining dry ingredients and add to paste.
7. Add vanilla extract and sea salt. Blend until all the ingredients are well combined.
8. Place in fridge for about an hour until firm to touch. This makes it easier to scoop them into the small spheres.
9. Use a small scoop or spoon to form small balls. Then, using your hands, roll the mixture into small truffle-sized spheres.
10. Roll the truffles for the coating in shredded coconut, plant powders, or cacao powder. Please know that the plant powders will be slightly bitter if you use them. The sweetness from the nuts and dates combines well, but it’s good to know if you have someone not used to a slightly bitter taste.
11. Place the coated truffles on a plate and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let all the flavors come together.
12. Freeze extras.

  • Prep Time: 30

Tips for Perfecting Your Vegan Chocolate Truffles

Achieving perfection in vegan chocolate truffles is all about attention to detail. First, ensure your cocoa or cacao is high quality, as it’s the primary flavor carrier. You may need to adjust ratios when blending, but also know that cooling them in the fridge will bring them together even if it’s less firm. For a smooth finish, chill your truffles thoroughly before rolling. Experiment with coatings like cocoa powder or crushed nuts to add contrast and crunch. Lastly, store your truffles in a cool, dry place to maintain their texture and flavor integrity. You can freeze them, too.

Click on the Instacart link or image above to grab the ingredients on the “Instacart”. The app will let you pick the store and provide a basis for the shopping and ingredient list. Then you can choose what you need. It has worked great for us.

ALSO…. if you select the “pick up” option, which you can do on the way home from work, you may even have a small credit on your purchases for your next visit.

To sum up, if you are a busy professional, look into Instacart to eat healthier when your schedule is hectic, either as a delivery or pick-up option.

Kitchen Supplies

Having the right supplies makes being in the kitchen easier. You can find the plant-powders by clicking on the image.

Click below to explore some of my favorite chocolate supplies that are going to give you al the options to make chocolates at home. You can see how to make botanical chocolates here.

Enjoying Vegan Decadence on Valentine’s Day

Embracing a little decadence on Valentine’s Day, if you celebrate, can be done with chocolate truffles. Consider even a mindfulness exercise with it; try noticing three things about the truffle when you finish it and after your first bite.

 Each bite of these plant-based treats is a testament to the richness of vegan cuisine, offering a guilt-free indulgence that nourishes the body, delights the senses, and respects the planet. This Valentine’s

These Vegan Valentine’s Recipes and Menu Ideas inspire you to create a memorable and plant-based celebration with your loved ones. There are many delicious options, from the nutrient-filled plant-based choc truffles to the heart-healthy avocado bruschetta and creamy vegan mushroom risotto, exist. Remember to add your personal touch and thoughtful gestures to make this Valentine’s Day memorable. Happy Valentine’s Day to all our fellow plant-based food enthusiasts!

Let’s Explore Seasonal Eating: Winter

Our visit last weekend before the rain was filled with winter vegetables and fruits! This blood orange is wonderful. And there was some wonderful organic calendula that can be dried and used in chocolate making and body care.

What is Seasonal Eating?

The role of local and/or seasonal eating is one that I am particularly interested in. I believe the connection to seasonal living builds a steady and essential connection to nature. Fortunately for me, it is not just my opinion; scientific data exists to explore this notion.

Eating locally and seasonally has been proposed to reduce the environmental impact of food production and enhance consumer health (Macdiarmid, 2013). However, the evidence supporting this idea is mixed. While some studies have found that local food can be inferior to non-local food (Edwards-Jones, 2010), others have highlighted the potential benefits of consuming local seasonal food for sustainable consumption (Vargas, 2021). The link between eating seasonally and a reduction of environmental impacts in the food chain has also been explored, with some research suggesting a potential benefit (Brooks, 2011). However, the overall impact of eating locally and seasonally on health and the environment remains complex and nuanced.

References

  • Macdiarmid JI. Seasonality and dietary requirements: will eating seasonal food contribute to health and environmental sustainability? Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 2014;73(3):368-375.
  • Edwards-Jones G. Does eating local food reduce the environmental impact of food production and enhance consumer health? Proc Nutr Soc. 2010 Nov;69(4):582-91.
  • Vargas AM, de Moura AP, Deliza R, Cunha LM. The Role of Local Seasonal Foods in Enhancing Sustainable Food Consumption: A Systematic Literature Review. Foods. 2021; 10(9):2206.
  • Brooks, M., Foster, C., Holmes, M.R., & Wiltshire, J.J. (2011). Does consuming seasonal foods benefit the environment? Insights from recent research. Nutrition Bulletin, 36, 449-453.
  • Jaqua E, Biddy E, Moore C, Browne G. The Impact of the Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine on Brain Health. Cureus. 2023 Feb 3;15(2):e34605.
  • Elicit; Elicit: The Al Research Assistant; https://elicit.com; accessed 2/8/2024

In the complexity of considering the regional needs and long-term goals of feeding populations, I also believe that seasonal and, when feasible, local eating helps us cultivate mindfulness skills, paying attention to what is close and relevant. Exploring markets and local farms builds community connections, which is also part of Lifestyle Medicine’s core pillars of health.

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The food we eat significantly impacts our health, but how we prepare it can also have an effect. Eating a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can lead to many health problems, such as obesity and heart disease. Furthermore, what if I told you that changing these factors could make all the difference? You can improve your health by cooking your meals with whole food and plant-based ingredients. First, grab this free recipe ebook that incorporates flavors and principles from my Ayurvedic and Lifestyle Medicine training, and it is 100% plant-based. Then let me know what you have made.

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This experience is powered by CMEfy – an AI-powered platform that directs learners along a pathway to capture reflections at the point of inspiration, point of care. Clinicians may earn CME/CE credit via ReflectCE, the accredited activity portal. Learn more at about.cmefy.com/cme-info

The CE experience for this Blog Post / Article is powered by CMEfy – click here to reflect and earn credits: https://earnc.me/7CbypP

Tips for a Memorable Vegan Valentine’s Day Celebration

Aside from the delicious food, here are a few tips to make your vegan Valentine’s Day celebration unforgettable.

Setting the Mood

How do you create a connection at mealtime? I am curious what you do. I think about the setting of the house and home at least several hours before someone comes over for a meal. But Valentine’s is different; it may be at home with your partner.

Personal Touches

Consider creating handmade Valentine’s Day cards or crafting a personalized gift for your loved one to show them how much you care. Pick up some paints at the local dollar store or Michaels and fill it in with your creative spirit. 

Thoughtful Gestures

Plan a nature walk, a stargazing session, or a movie night featuring your favorite vegan snacks to spend quality time together. 

Join me in community!

Looking to make a positive change in your life and community clincially? Dr. SiriChand is a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and Hospice/Palliative Medicine. She has dedicated her career to promoting long-term vitality through the choices we make every day and is an expert in Ayurveda and plant-based nutrition.

She particularly works with physicians to explore how to create time for self-care and how to learn to innovate in their integrative medicine careers. Take the first step towards an aligned, happier future, and contact Dr. Siri Chand Khalsa today.

Let’s create a better world for female physicians through intentional, mindful living.

Review recent seasonal PLANT-BASED posts here!

Thanks for checking out this week’s post to the end!

If you make this, tag me on social media @doctorsirichand. I would love to see your variations and options for flavors. SAVE this Recipe to Your PINTEREST Board.

Dr. Siri Chand 

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May your life be nourished and vital! 

*Please note as an amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases which means I will receive a small fee if you purchase them. I have only included things I truly use. This post is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go here.

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Plant focused recipes that are oriented to bring you to a deeper relationship to spices and flavor. Recipes I make every week. 

Get your spice cabinet together in this new found joy of cooking where you may need a few new spices and herbs for your meals. 

Recipes that we are always asked for. Like walking or brushing our teeth, these recipes nourish us everyday.