“On a glum day, I am a firm believer that chocolate and avocados can bring you pure, organic joy.” -Candice
Pure chocolate (cacao) and avocados are two of the most nutritious foods on the planet. When you’re craving something sweet, why not satisfy the urge with a dish that also fuels your body? Super easy to make, this chocolate avocado mousse will do the trick! Here is an alternative recipe that includes the ingredient collagen, a fun way to cook with this healthy supplement. Although the recipe calls for the collagen product made by mindbodygreen, any high-quality collagen powder will do (click here for tips on picking the right collagen supplement).
Ingredients:
2 very ripe avocados
*4 ounces of 70% cacao baking chocolate, melted (preferably organic)
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably organic)
**⅓ cup almond milk
⅓ cup maple syrup (Although I haven’t tried it, honey could be a good alternative)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of sea salt
Optional toppings: whipped cream, grated dark chocolate, nuts, seeds, berries, etc.
*Melt in a pot on the stove using the lowest heat. For a vegan recipe, use dairy-free chocolate (I am a fan of Hu baking gems). You can use 100% dark chocolate, but the dish will be less sweet/more bitter and have a more pronounced avocado flavor. To reduce sugar, try a brand like Lily’s chocolate (caution if your gut is sensitive to sugar substitutes).
**Depending on the size of your avocados, you may want to add a bit more milk. Assess desired thickness after initial blending and add more milk if needed.
Note: following the FASSSH principle, I sometimes add a squeeze of lemon juice (acid) and a teaspoon of grated ginger (spice). They aren’t necessary but can brighten up the dish!
Directions:
In a food processor or blender, combine ingredients and purée until creamy. Spoon into a bowl or small, individual ramekins for serving and chill for at least an hour to set. After chilling, I like to let mine warm up for about ten minutes before eating. Although not necessary, it softens the consistency a bit. Serve as is or topped with desired toppings.