Friday, August 29, 2008

Chocolate Mousse - dairy-free, sugar-free options

Have I ever mentioned how much I love chocolate? Believe me, it’s a lot. I also appreciate a really nice mousse. However, since I need to avoid dairy, this isn’t so easy to find. But it isn’t impossible. In fact, it is possible to put together a very nice chocolate-mint mousse that is healthy (healthy???), very simple and delicious. Ready for this?

For 4 – 6 servings, you’ll need:

· 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (or equivalent quantity of unsweetened baking chocolate)
· 2 packages of extra firm tofu (12.3 oz each) - chilled
· 8 oz tub of non-dairy whipped topping
· 2 tsp vanilla extract
· 2 tsp mint extract (I used peppermint)
· Alternative sweetener to taste (if you use unsweetened baking chocolate)
· Whipped topping and cherries to garnish

In a blender, combine the chocolate, tofu, whipped topping, vanilla and mint. Blend until smooth. If you are using semi-sweet morsels, you will not need any further sweetening. If you are using baking chocolate, you may want to add a bit of sweetener. Add just a little at a time, tasting often until it is to your taste. This should be served right away and can be topped with a dollop of whipped topping and a cherry.

As always, there are all sorts of alternatives possible. If you would rather use whipped cream instead of non-dairy topping, go for it. Don’t like mint? How about almond extract or orange extract? You could use your favorite liqueur, as well. Not fond of chocolate? Try soy nut butter, peanut butter, almond butter, white chocolate or even butterscotch chips. Of course, if you use the white chocolate or the butterscotch chips, be aware that they will be considerably sweeter and may not be available sugar-free.

As I mentioned, this is something that should be served right away since tofu can separate in the refrigerator. However, if you do need to refrigerate it and it separates, it can be blended again and will be just fine. Best of all, this is such a simple dessert, you can toss it together at a moment’s notice.

So, let’s go eat that!

2 comments:

A.C. said...

yum! chocolate mint mousse that is guilt free. (well, mostly :)

Sandra Gordon said...

Yes, mostly! ;) I love that this goes together so quickly. Yesterday was a busy day and I had some friends coming in the early afternoon. I was able to whip up the mousse in about five minutes so we could all have a good chocolate fix. Gotta love that!