Guest Post by Krista A. Parr
Walnuts are one of the few plant sources of Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Our bodies cannot manufacture these essential fatty acids (“EFA’s”) on their own, so they must be obtained through diet. As well as being anti-inflammatory and protective of the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and immune systems, Omega-3 EFA’s are very important for fertility. EFA-rich foods need to be consumed daily to promote ovulation and cervical fluid, regulate hormones, and increase blood flow to the reproductive organs. It’s also one of the primary ingredients in the production of sperm cell membranes. Soaking the walnuts in water makes them easier to blend in this recipe, but it also makes the nuts easier to digest, allowing you to absorb their nutrients more efficiently. These truffles are a sweet, guilt-free alternative to the abundance of sugary treats you are sure to come across this holiday season.
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups raw walnuts
½ tsp. apple cider vinegar
12 large dates
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon fine Himalayan sea salt
1 ½ Tablespoons coconut oil, softened (doesn’t need to be melted, but not rock hard either)
Raw, organic cacao powder for rolling the truffles in
Directions:
Place walnuts in a large bowl or pot and cover with filtered water. There should be at least 2 inches of water above the walnuts. Add the apple cider vinegar and allow walnuts to soak, covered with a tea towel, for 8 hours.
Strain and rinse walnuts well.
If your dates are pretty hard, soak them in hot water for 1-2 minutes, squeezing out and shaking off excess water afterwards.
Blend dates, cinnamon, and sea salt into a paste in a high-powered blender or food processor.
Slowly add the walnuts and coconut oil until well blended.
Roll/form into little balls with your hands, then gently roll and coat each ball in cacao powder.
Store in the freezer to firm up the texture.
Krista A. Parr is a Vancouver Registered Holistic Nutritionist and founder of Root to Fruit Nutrition, specializing in fertility and women’s health. www.RootToFruitNutrition.ca
