Healthy and wholesome sweet treats to continue your Valentine's weekend

Continue your Valentine celebration this weekend with one of these wonderful recipes from Natalie Slater of Lifeway Foods.




Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients:
  • 1/3 cup dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Lifeway Lowfat Kefir, plain 
  • 4 Tbs finely ground toasted almonds, plus more for rolling
  • 2 Tbs unsalted almond butter 
  • 2 Tbs raw agave nectar 
  • 1 Tbs unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for rolling
  • 1 pinch sea salt 

Directions:

1.    Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler, then remove from heat and set aside. 
2.    In a food processor, blend together the kefir, ground almonds, almond butter, agave nectar, cocoa powder and salt.  Add the melted chocolate and blend that in, too.
3.    Transfer the mixture into a shallow, sealable container and refrigerate until firm (1-2 hours).
4.    Prepare your rolling ingredients - I like to roll my truffles in more ground almonds, but you could roll them in cocoa powder, too. Place your rolling ingredients in separate, small bowls. 
5.    Use a measuring spoon to scoop some truffle mixture - I use 1 or 1 & 1/2 tsp to make nice, bite-sized truffles. Gently roll the mixture between your palms to form a ball, then roll in your almonds, cocoa powder, or whatever you're using. 
6.    Refrigerate in a single layer in a sealable container, and remove from the fridge for about a half hour prior to serving. 


Sweetheart Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar – packed
  • 1/4 cup margarine
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup Lifeway Nonfat Plain Kefir
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup miniature chocolate  chips

Directions:
  1. Beat sugars, margarine & shortening until light & fluffy.
  2. Add Lifeway Nonfat Plain Kefir & vanilla. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt & chips.
  3. Drop on sheet sprayed with Pam.
  4. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 -12 min.
  5. Cool 1 minute on sheet & then remove to racks.


Chocolate Cherry Macadamia Smoothie

Ingredients:
  • 1 bottle Black Cherry Heart Health BioKefir
  • 1 cup frozen black cherries
  • 1/4 cup, plus 1 tablespoon macadamia nut cream
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon maca powder
  • 1 cup ice
  • 1 tablespoon chocolate chips

Directions:
  1. Reserve 1 cherry, 1 tablespoon macadamia nut cream, and chocolate chips and blend remaining ingredients in a blender until smooth.
  2. Transfer to a serving glass and top with cream, chocolate and cherry.

Macadamia Nut Cream (for Smoothie)

Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups raw, unsalted macadamia nuts
  • 3/4 cup water
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Directions:
  1. Completely cover nuts with water in a bowl and soak overnight.
  2. Drain and transfer to a blender. Add 3Ž4 cup water and remaining ingredients.
  3. Blend on high for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is very smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
  4. Store in the refrigerator and use within a few days.

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