Dr. Lani Nykilchuk

Try this super easy recipe, makes a great gift or treat for yourself. Plan some time for preperation/cooling, but once it's time to make the truffles, it's a breeze.

Makes 40-50 truffles

Ingredients

400g dairy free, dark chocolate ( 70% or higher)

~ 3/4 cup (~ 200ml) full fat coconut milk 

1 tsp vanilla extract

~ 1/4 cup cacao powder (fair trade if you can), 

optional: peppermint extract

 

Method:

Using a double broiler ( I use a pot with  ~ 2 inches of water and a well fitted metal bowl on top), melt the chocolate over low to medium heat, stirring often to ensure the chocolate does not burn. Slowly add the coconut milk and mix well.

Near the end of melting add the vanilla extract and optional peppermint extract.

Once fully melted, gently cover the bowl (with a towel) and place in the refrigerator for 3-5 hours, until fully solid but not rock hard.

Once solidified, lay out a square of parchment paper and sprinkle with cacao so it is covered. Using a tsp or tbsp (depending on the size you want), carve out scoops of the truffle mixture, quickly shape into a ball with your hand and then roll in the cacao to coat and form. Continue this, adding more cacao, as needed, until all truffles are formed.

Store in the refrigerator in parchement lined air tight container. Will keep for about a week or you can freeze them.

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

 

Adapted from minimalist baker:

https://minimalistbaker.com/2-ingredient-dark-chocolate-truffles/

Summer is here and so are outdoor meals- lovely picnics and BBQ’s! Potato salad is a classic but often contains lots of mayo and dairy, which is ok for some but not for all. I decide to put together a salad that had a creamy texture but didn’t have any of these foods that some may need to avoid. 

Also, by incorporating all of the herbs available right now in my yard this is a truly summery salad. If you are looking for a hearty salad to bring to your next outdoor party- give this one a try. It’s been tested and approved by potato salad connoisseurs.

A little bit about the nutrient benefits of potatoes:

The benefits of potatoes mostly reside in the skin- including vitamins like B3, B5, B6 and C, potassium, dietary fiber and even  a decent amount of protein (2.5 gram per medium potato). An added benefit of potatoes is that they contain the essential amino acid lysine, which is absent from other starchy foods such as corn and rice. 

When selecting potatoes- always keep an eye out for any green coloration (often noted just under the skin), which indicates the presence of the toxic alkaloid solanine and should not be consumed.

Summer Herb Potato Salad

2 lb potatoes (I used red and orange fingerling)

2-3 shallots, finely chopped

1 garlic scape, finely chopped (or substitute 1 clove garlic, minced)

2 tbsp grainy mustard

4 tbsp apple cider vinegar

6 tbsp olive oil

1 cup packed fresh herbs- basil, parsley, thyme, oregano, chives (whatever you have available to you this summer)- roughly chopped

sea salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Scrub potatoes, leaves skin on and boil for 10-20 minutes until tender (can pierce with fork). Drain and set them aside to cool down while you prepare dressing.

Mix together shallots, garlic scapes, mustard, vinegar, oil, herbs and S+P.

Once cool, slice potatoes to desired size. As you add potatoes to your bowl, pour a little dressing and give it a toss. Continue this until you have used up all your ingredients. Garnish  with fresh herbs and serve.

ENJOY!