Veggie Chocolate Mousse––Seriously!

Who doesn't like chocolate pudding? It's been my comfort food of choice since my mom made it for me way back when (we'll not that long ago, she still makes it for me. I just don't smear it on my face and the walls like I used to.) So when I recently signed up for an on-line program called "Nourishing Food Detox for Beginners: 5 Days of Easy & Nourishing Foods for Your Mind, Body & Spirit," I was intrigued by one of the recommended desserts––a Raw Chocolate Mousse. Aha! I would not suffer on this "nourishing, easy, detox"! I wondered what made this mousse healthy since I'd be off all dairy, wheat and a long list of other forbidden foods and mainly living on vegetables and grains like amaranth, quinoa and millet.

OK, ready for this? The magic ingredient that made this chocolate mousse/pudding healthy was one AVOCADO! The rest of the ingredients were amazingly simple: 1/2 cup of raw cacao powder (I used Dagoda, it's an excellent brand), 1/3 cup of maple syrup, 1 tsp. vanilla extract and 1/4 cup of water. Put all the ingredients into a blender. Blend until thick and smooth. Scoop into a serving bowl or fancy glasses and chill. Amazingly delicious, chocolatey, smooth and very satisfying. You would never know there was an avocado in there! Not a spec of its green color shows up when it's blended. This recipe is now a regular go-to for a fast and easy dessert at our house.

And, yes, the detox was successful. I've never felt better and actually lost 9 pounds...even while enjoying several chocolate mousses! Then there was the sweet potato pudding and the pear smoothies. Just know that I did not suffer for good health! The process was truly easy and nourishing. If you are interested, you can learn more at http://www.eatwellenjoylife.com