Simple, sweet, sinful
Refined sugar-free chocolate avocado mousse a Valentine’s Day treat
Sinfully rich and healthful coexist peacefully in this refined sugar-free chocolate avocado mousse that is simple to prepare and the perfect sweet ending to your Valentine’s Day dinner at home.
Chocolate mousse is a classic French dessert that involves a number of steps and uses ingredients such as refined sugar, heavy cream and eggs. This version is based on principles of the Paleo diet, in which dairy, grains, legumes, refined sugar and anything processed is avoided.
After soaking the dates, it is as easy as combining all the wholesome ingredients — chocolate, avocado and dates — in your food processor or blender.
Avocados, which are in season now, are a nutritional powerhouse. Medjool dates, also available in the produce department, are the most prized and expensive of all dates. They are very sweet with a caramel-like flavor, and they are nutrientdense. They are also high in fiber, and whereas one medium banana has about 118 milligrams of potassium, one single date contains about 167 milligrams.
I use readily available Dutch process cocoa powder for this dessert; however, if you strictly adhere to the Paleo lifestyle, you’ll want to use raw cacao or carob powder instead. You’ll also want to use raw honey, and a vanilla bean or pure vanilla bean paste instead of the extract (which can contain sugar).
This mousse will turn slightly darker upon sitting; however, that does not affect the flavor. If you don’t mind the color change, this mousse can be prepared up to two days ahead and refrigerated. Carol Borchardt owns A Thought For Food Personal Chef Service. She creates diet and palate-specific meals for clients in their homes. To find out more, visit her website at athoughtforfood.com or her blog at fromachefskitchen.com.