Here I am again posting about Chocolate, only because I love you guys so much of course. So this week I had the opportunity to participate in celebrating the Canadian Mental Health Association's 100th Anniversary in my community. My participation included creating a delicious chocolate recipe for a Chocolate Competition. Sadly, I did not win - a decadent, rich chocolate cake won. It looked amazing & if I was ever so inclined to have a taste of chocolate - that would probably be a good place to begin.

Mental Health is something I hold dear to my heart, as should everyone - #selfcare & #selflove. I have struggled over the years with my own mental health. I think it's often a topic that gets missed, or is understated & there tends to be only discussion for the extremes. So I decided to approach this Chocolate Competition in no other than Dani Style - #healthified ( yes I make up words ). My recipe began with picking nutrient dense ingredients that are essentially brain superfoods.

Organic Raw Cacao Powder - antioxidants to protect cells + essential minerals & vitamins + anti-i inflammatory

Organic Avocado Oil - HEALTHY FATS - Did you know your brain is 2/3 fat? Healthy Blood Flow (transporting nutrients to the brain) + Potassium + Vitamin K + Folate - essential for maintenance of brain health, cognitive function & memory

Organic Coconut Oil - HEALTHY FATS - fuels & nourishes brain cells + source of energy for brain

The end product was bite size (portion control) Chocolate Truffles that were nutrient dense. They are Ketogenic + Vegan + Paleo + Whole 30 Approved + Gluten Free + Refined Sugar Free.

BRAIN BOOSTING TRUFFLES

1 cup Organic Raw Cacao Powder - sifted + extra for rolling
3 ripe Organic Avocados
1/3 cup melted Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
1/4 cup Maple Syrup

Combine ingredients in a food processor ( you could use a blender or mix by hand ) until desired consistency. Place mixture into fridge for about 20 minutes until firm enough to roll in to little balls with your hands. Roll balls in cacao powder for a light dusting. End product - Brain Boosting Truffles.