On Valentine’s Day 2013 my dad turns 90. He’s a gracious 90, easygoing and content. Visiting him in the nursing home where he’s been living for almost a year is touching. While it’s hard for the residents to relate easily to one another, they all seem to relate to music. Every Friday The Anniversary Song is played at Oneg Shabbat, the pre-Sabbath celebration. “Oh, how we danced on the night we were wed” — My parents’ sing the lyrics as they take to the floor, keeping their romance alive.
My parents marriage is a normal marriage, with normal ups and downs. I’ve been able to take the ups as a model. I watch them proudly, with tears for what was, what is and what will come.
Valentine’s Day is THE day for romance. These Chocolate Coconut Love Bites are the flavour of romance. Try them on your loved one, and let me know how much swooning ensues.
Chocolate Coconut Love Bites
- 1/2 c organic, raw sunflower seeds
- 1 c unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 T cocoa powder (cacao powder used here)
- 6 Mejool dates, soaked for 5 minutes, stems removed, then pitted
- 2 T cashew butter (or other nut butter)
- 2/3 c chocolate chips
- 2 T sesame seeds
In a food processor, coarsely chop the sunflower seeds. Add the shredded coconut and cocoa powder, blending briefly. Remove mixture to a small bowl.
Briefly chop the dates in the food processor. Add in the sunflower seed and cocoa mixture, blending just enough to combine the ingredients. Add the cashew butter and blend briefly. Add in chocolate chips and pulse just a few times until they are combined into the dough.
Form the dough into little bite-sized balls or heart shapes. Dip them in the sesame seeds. Place them on a flat surface and freeze them for at least 1 hour. Makes 2 dozen Chocolate Coconut Love Bites. Serves 8.
Chocolate Coconut Love Bites Print Ready Recipe
Final notes:
- This recipe is inspired by Alyssa Rimmer, the Queen of Quinoa. It is a most delicious treat.
- Thanks to Geneviève Robert for bringing these tasty bites to a Shri Yoga potluck dinner.
- Happy St. Valentine’s Day!
- Here are the lyrics to Al Jolson’s “The Anniversary Song”
Oh, how we danced on the night we were wed
We vowed our true love, though a word wasn’t said
The world was in bloom, there were stars in the skies
Except for the few that were there in your eyes
Dear, as I held you close in my arms
Angels were singing a hymn to your charms
Two hearts gently beating, murmuring low
“Darling, I love you so”
The night seemed to fade into blossoming dawn
The sun shone anew but the dance lingered on
Could we but recall that sweet moment sublime
We’d find that our love is unaltered by time
Darling, I love you so
The night seemed to fade into blossoming dawn
The sun shone anew but the dance lingered on
Could we but recall that sweet moment sublime
We’d find that our love is unaltered by time
Related articles
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- Chocolate Chip Cookies (paleoinpdx.com)
- Healthy Valentine’s Treats: 18 Fresh Food Ideas for an All-natural School Party (school-bites.com)
thank you for sharing that beautiful video of your parents and the words to the song not to mention yet another delicious sounding recipe – it was a very heartwarming way to start my day
xo
Thanks Rochelle. The first few times I saw them dancing at these Friday afternoon celebrations I was moved to tears. It really is heartwarming.
Beautiful video of your parents dancing. Chose your blog from the name “Jittery Cook” becuz mine would be “Panic-stricken Cook”, but am getting more placid as the years go by.
80 year old G-Mother
Great, so I can look forward to getting less jittery in time. Can’t wait! Glad you liked the video. Welcome to Jittery Cooking!