GUILT FREE CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES.

Hello! So this is my first post in nearly a year and I have to apologise for my lack of recipes.  Settling into my first year of uni was more mental than I could have ever imagined and posting my bakes took a back seat!  Now that I am home for the Summer, I plan to get back to more regular updates and continue this once I have moved into my new house ready for the start of second year.

This recipe is the first in my easy, cheap bakes series, which is ideal for students or anyone who is tight of time or money. If you're like me and have a craving that only chocolate can satisfy, then this recipe will be perfect for you.

Chocolate Truffles.  Rich, indulgent, completely delicious.

But surely not wallet or waistline friendly?!

Inspired by Deliciously Ella, these chocolate truffles are a much healthier version of the original indulgent sweet, made with a secret ingredient; dates.

To make 10 truffles you need:

12 dates (you can sub in roughly 180g raisins for an even cheaper option, the truffles just won't come out as smooth)

2 tbsp (preferrably) unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tbsp ground almonds

2 tbsp olive oil/coconut oil

1 tsp vanilla essence

Extra cocoa/ dessicated coconut for dusting

Method:

Simply deseed the dates (if necessary), chuck them into a food processor with the other ingredients and blend until smooth.

If the mixture is too sloppy, add some more ground almonds, and if it's too stiff add a little more oil.

Roll a ping pong ball sized amount of mixture between your palms into a rough sphere shape, then

roll in the cocoa, coconut or other desired topping (crushed nuts such as hazelnuts also work really nicely).

Pop them in the fridge until you're ready to eat them!

Easy, healthy, yet indulgent, what could be better?

Happy baking,

THE BEST BLONDIES IN THE WORLD EVER.

Having not baked in a while, I wanted to come back with a bang, so decided to do one of my favourite recipes. The best in the world ever may be a bold statement, but I really think these Blondies deserve that title.  Totally gooey and totally moreish, this is one of my families favourite recipes!

You will need:

115g melted butter

230g dark brown sugar

1 egg

1 1/2 tspns vanilla extract

1/2 tspn almond extract (optional)

1/8 tspn salt

140g plain flour

190g (roughly) white chocolate (I used Milkybar Buttons, but you can use anything)

Method:

Melt the butter (can be done in the microwave, but keep a close eye on it!)

 In a medium bowl, stir melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in egg, vanilla, almond extract (optional) and the salt.

Add flour and stir until incorporated then mix in the white chocolate.

Pour into a lined baking dish (I used an 8" square tray)

Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees F (177C), until a toothpick or skewer comes out relatively clean (you still want them a little gooey!)

Leave to cool, then cut into squares.

Here's your printable recipe:

For such a delicious recipe, its so simple to do! So try it out and impress everyone with your baking skills, just don't tell them how easy it is!

Happy baking,