Decadent dark chocolate trufflesThis high-energy, decadent-tasting dessert is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. By replacing processed sugar with maple syrup and using all organic ingredients, this natural Middle Eastern treat gets even healthier. Thanks to the food processor and refrigerator, this time-honored delicacy is a snap to make.

Anush ellah! ("May it be sweet!" Armenian)

Ingredients: (yields approximately 12)
1/2 cup pitted organic prunes
1/4 cup pitted organic dates
3 tablespoons organic unsweetened cacao powder
3 tablespoons organic almond butter
1 tablespoon organic maple syrup, grade B
1 teaspoon cinnamon (non-irradiated)
1/2 cup finely grated unsweetened organic coconut flakes

Directions:

In a food processor, add prunes and dates one-by-one, processing each time. Scrape the food processor bowl and run again until prunes and dates are smooth. Add remaining ingredients except for coconut. Run until smooth, then scrape processor bowl as needed. Roll the mixture into 12 one-inch balls, then roll in coconut to coat. Refrigerate for one half hour.

Calories: 102 Fat: 3.7 g (30%) Carbohydrates: 18.6 g (65%) Protein: 1.4 g (5%)

Prunes are loaded with antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, potassium, fiber, iron, and vitamin A.

Dates are an excellent source of digestible carbohydrates, fiber, niacin, B6, riboflavin, and thiamine. Dates contain several minerals: copper, potassium, manganese, iron, and phosphorus. They are also a good source of folic acid, and trace minerals, zinc and selenium.

Almonds are a great source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils, protein, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin E.

Maple syrup is a very good source of manganese, which is an essential cofactor regarding energy production and antioxidant defense.

Cinnamon is a source of chromium and is traditionally known for its medicinal and healing properties. Confirmed benefits of cinnamon are that it acts as a circulatory stimulant, aids with digestion, is diuretic, anti-biotic, and anti-ulcerative.

Cacao powder has more antioxidant flavanoids than blueberries, red wine, black and green teas. It also contains essential minerals such as magnesium and sulfur.

Unsweetened coconut flakes is high in potassium, phosphorus, manganese, and saturated fat.

Maria Gueriera is a nutritional cooking consultant and chef in the San Francisco Bay Area specializing in healthy Mediterranean and Levantine cuisine. Her cooking is influenced by her Italian-Armenian heritage, and Hippocrates' sage advice, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."