Add the coconut oil to a small bowl. Add a drop of the peppermint essential oil and stir to combine.
Add the cashews to the bowl of a food processor and pulse several times until roughly chopped.
Add the raisins and blend for about 20 seconds.
Finally, add the coconut oil mixture and the cocoa powder and blend until combined.
Form small balls with your hands and place them on a plate.
Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave (at 30-second intervals).
Dip each truffle in the chocolate. Garnish with fresh mint if desired.
Notes
You can use almonds or hazelnuts to replace cashews if you don't have them on hand. Use sunflower seed to make the truffles nut-free.
You can replace the peppermint essential oil with a handful of fresh mint. Note that the taste will be slightly less pronounced.
Tips on cooking with essential oils: make sure to choose a brand that is safe for cooking and start with no more than 1 or 2 drops. Essential oils are soluble in fat. Always, mix them with a fatty ingredient such as coconut oil before incorporating them into the recipe.
Storage tips: the chocolate peppermint truffles can be kept in the fridge for a1 to 2 weeks.