Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Strawberries that are coated with toppings (dip strawberries in the chocolate then drizzle nuts, seeds, melted white chocolate, or shredded coconut). Place in the fridge to congeal before serving so the toppings become solid.

Most people enjoy chocolate as a treat to be enjoyed in moderation, and rightly so – but chocolate has its health benefits, too. Yup! Pure, good quality dark chocolate is loaded with flavonols that increase blood flow to the brain, which has a positive impact on our memory, energy, and mood. Chocolate contains one particular amino acid, tryptophan, that helps the brain produce serotonin – a neurotransmitter that makes us feel good. We have all experienced how good chocolate can make us feel at one point or another!

Recipe

½ cup medjool dates – soaked in water beforehand
½ cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups mashed avocado – use 3 avocados
¾ cup raw cacao powder
½ cup water

Instructions

• Blend dates (after soaking) with maple syrup and vanilla extract until smooth

• Add mashed avocados and cacao powder and blend until creamy – pause the blender to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula if needed

• Add the water and blend until smooth

• Add 4 oz. to a pretty little cup and top with berries and nuts/seeds

• Serve at room temperature or chilled

• Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days, or freezer for up to 2 weeks

• Makes 12 - 4 oz cups of chocolate mousse

Chocolate Mousse tasters with a strawberry for dipping

Serve as is or dip into the sprinkles of your choice then place in fridge

Chocolate Mousse with raspberry topping

Genia’s Spoon Me Tips

For those wondering, the difference between cocoa and cacao is that cocoa is processed, while cacao is raw, minimally processed, straight from the cocoa bean.

What makes chocolate good quality? You should seek out chocolate with a higher cocoa content and stay away from the sugar (70% or above – no milk chocolate!). Just be careful not to eat it too close to bedtime since you’ll be wired.

I love to bedeck my chocolate mousse with more healthy love. Besides berries, I like to sprinkle hemp seeds on top to add some protein and a nice, delicate crunch. I also love serving my chocolate mousse with strawberries on the side to dip into the chocolate or add berries in cup on top of the chocolate mousse. Go for the added colors, flavors, and nutrition!

Much decadent love,
Genia