The weekend is here!  

Which, for Chad and I, this means it's a time to recharge, linger longer over coffee, spend time together, cook... and I usually end up dragging him around the city, visiting new places.  

It's also a time when we treat ourselves. But, in a healthy way.

How did healthy ever come to be associated with flavorless? I don't know about you, but I feel that times are changing, my friends. Our generation is beginning to see the power of whole, healthy foods again, and realizing that the natural flavor is way better than any processed, fake substance.

We are beginning to live at a time when healthy means flavorful... and delicious. And even indulgent. 

This goes for sweet treats as well! Healthy can be just as sweet.

Take these decadent truffles. These are filled with dates and cacao powder... and completely sugar free. Thanks to the dates - which are pretty much nature's candy - you don't need to add anything else.

These give Chad and I the sweet and chocolate flavor we sometimes crave. They are chewy and chocolate-y...and I've been making them every weekend!

Decadent Cacao Truffles

(makes about 12 truffles)

• 2 cups Medjool dates, pitted

• 1/4 cup raw cacao powder (unsweetened cocoa powder can be used if you don't have cacao powder)

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt

• extra cacao powder for coating

Directions:

1. In a food processor, blend all of the ingredients until very smooth, about 2-3 minutes. If the mixture needs help blending, add 1 tablespoon of water.

2. Lightly coat your hands with coconut oil or spray and roll the dough into 1 tablespoon-sized balls.

3. Place some raw cacao powder in a small bowl and roll the truffles lightly to coat. Tap off excess and place on a sheet of parchment paper.

4. Once you are done rolling and coating the truffles, store the truffles in the refrigerator until ready to eat. The truffles will keep about one month.

My weekend is always a bit sweeter with these. I hope yours is too!