Chocolate and Avocado Mousse with Coconut Whipped Cream

Name: Chocolate and Avocado Mousse with Coconut Whipped Cream
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled; 4 whole dates, pitted; 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted; 2 ½ tsp vanilla extract, divided; ½ tsp espresso powder; ¼ tsp salt; 1 (13.5-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk, chilled; Unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)

Avocado, dates and coconut milk blend with chocolate, coffee and vanilla, forming a mousse with a mild chocolate taste.

With a few healthy twists among its ingredients, this dessert will surprise your family. Avocado, dates and coconut milk blend with chocolate, coffee and vanilla, forming a mousse with a mild chocolate taste.

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
4 whole dates, pitted
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted
2 ½ tsp vanilla extract, divided
½ tsp espresso powder
¼ tsp salt
1 (13.5-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk, chilled
Unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)

Directions

For mousse, place avocado, dates, and 1 cup coconut milk in a food processor. Cover and process until smooth and creamy. Add melted chocolate, 1½ teaspoons vanilla, espresso powder and salt. Cover and process until well combined; stop and scrape sides of bowl, if necessary.
Transfer mixture to a small mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on high 4 to 5 minutes or until light and fluffy. Spoon mousse mixture into dessert dishes.*
For coconut cream, drain and discard water from chilled can of coconut milk. Place remaining milk in a mixing bowl. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on high until milk is thickened. Spoon mixture over mousse desserts. If desired, garnish with coconut flakes.
*Note: For firmer mousse, cover and chill desserts 4 to 6 hours or up to 2 days. Top with coconut cream and garnish as directed.