Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Rich, chocolaty and indulgent chocolate pudding, but made "healthier".

I can't believe we are only a few days away from Valentines day. Are you planning something special?

Valentines day is not really a big thing in our home, but it certainly is a good excuse to indulge a little bit. I don't need flowers or presents, or a date night out, I prefer a night in with homemade pizza, something chocolaty for dessert and a glass of good wine.

This chocolate mousse is in my opinion a great valentines dessert. It is indulgent and made with a not-so-big--secret ingredient: Avocado!

Have you tried it yet?

Chocolate mousse made with avocados has been popular in the health food scene for years and was a big food trend a few years ago, but I still think it's worth trying if you have not tried it yet. Using avocado gives a rich and smooth texture, and you can't taste the avocado. PLUS it adds nutritional value as they contribute nearly 20 minerals and vitamins. In other words it's much healthier than the classic dessert and it tastes great!

This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar free and paleo.

YOU WILL NEED

A ripe avocado
cacao powder, preferably organic
dark chocolate, preferable 70% or more
maple syrup or liquid sweetener of choice
almond milk or milk of choice
coffee (optional)
vanilla extract
and a pinch of salt

I would highly recommend adding a pinch of salt as it balances the flavours and makes the chocolate taste even more chocolaty.

WE LOVE THIS DESSERT AS

it is easy to make
it is the ideal dessert to impress
it's made with wholesome, natural ingredients
any inexperience cook can prepare this
it is refined- sugar free
it is simple
it tastes great!

Serves 2 -3

Time: 10 min prep

Set time: 30 - 60 min

INGREDIENTS

55g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
1 heaped tablespoon organic cacao powder
2 ½ tablespoons pure maple syrup, or more to taste
Pinch of sea salt
4 - 5 teaspoons almond milk
1 tbsp strong coffee (optional)
1 medium sized ripe avocado
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

OPTIONAL TO SERVE

Dark chocolate shavings
Toasted Pistachio nuts
Coconut cream, yoghurt or vanilla cashew cream
A sprinkle of cacao nibs

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat a small pot of water and place a shallow dish on top of the pot. Make sure the bottom of the dish does not touch the water. Add the broken chocolate pieces into the shallow dish and stir until the chocolate is completely melted. NOTE: make sure to not get any water into the dish with the chocolate as the chocolate will turn grainy and dry.
Once melted, remove the dish from the pot and add the cacao, maple syrup, salt and almond milk to the dish and mix until smooth.
Scoop the avocado into a blender or food processor and add the chocolate mixture. Blend until completely smooth and divide the mixture between 2 - 3 glasses or bowls.
Let the mousse sit in the fridge for 30 min to an hour before serving.
Once ready to serve, top with a few chocolate shavings and a dollop of coconut cream/ yoghurt/ cashew cream (optional).