Healthy Chocolate Mousse With a Secret Ingredient

This chocolate avocado mousse is everything that a healthy dessert should be.

It uses a couple of whole ingredients in their natural form. It takes five minutes to make and it rivals other not-so-healthy competitors. This healthy chocolate mousse makes a perfect post-dinner party treat or a rainy afternoon chocolate fix. Satisfy your sweet tooth with all of the pleasure, and none of the guilt.

Each one of the ingredients delivers nutrition straight to your body. Avocados are a rich source  of easy-to-absorb carotenoids, which help the body absorb vitamins. They are also packed with B vitamins and folic acid. Raw chocolate helps not only in the delivery of antioxidants but also in the availability of serotonin, the mood-boosting chemical that keeps us calm and happy. Raw cacao can also help lower blood pressure and reduce our risk of cardiovascular disease.  Berries — especially strawberries — are a great source of heart-healthy Vitamin C and also help lower inflammation in the body.  The combination of raw cocoa, berries and avocado make this desert a great source of heart healthy fats, mood boosting minerals and anti-inflammatory antioxidants.

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado
2 tablespoons raw cacao
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
3 tablespoons mixed sweet berries (frozen or fresh)

Instructions:

Place all ingredients into a blender. Pulse for 5 minutes or until a smooth mix has formed. Spoon into small ramekins, leave then somewhere to cool and then gleefully lick the bowl clean (you know you want to).  Decorate the finished product with extra berries and dust with raw cocoa to serve.

Photo credit: Yolanda Hinchliffe