RAW GLUTEN-FREE DAIRY-FREE CACAO MOUSSE

Meet the most talked about superfood in the neighbourhood: Cacao Powder. I admit I was a latecomer into this craze, only purchasing my first bag of this amazing powder just last week and I'm already hooked. Sprinkle it on your toasted muesli or into a smoothie for a boost, add to date balls or even use it as the foundation of a gluten-free, dairy-free mousse. This Chocolate Mousse is a recipe from the newest Four-Ingredient Gluten & Lactose-Free cookbook by Kim McCosker. Uber simple to make, it tastes better if you invest in top quality organic or pure maple syrup, not maple 'flavoured' syrup. It’s a gorgeous raw, vegan, gluten, dairy and egg free dessert that can be whipped up in 5 minutes!

The down low on Cacao

·      Cacao powder is made from the seeds of an Amazonian fruit tree and is the purest form of all chocolate 

·      It is one of the most nutrient rich and complex foods

·       It is considered to be a raw food as the temperature used to produce cacao powder never exceeds 40 degrees Celsius, therefore all its vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are preserved (unfortunately regular chocolate is not made this way!)

·      Cacao powder has…wait for it….360 % MORE antioxidants that regular cocoa

·      Cacao is the WORLD’s highest source of magnesium, which is essential for the development of strong bones & teeth, brain power, energy production and relaxing of muscles, detoxification, and the regulation of metabolism.

·      Cacao contains the highest level of antioxidants a food can possibly have; more than green tea, blueberries and red wine combined. Antioxidants help the body to fight off nasty infections, among other things.

·      This ancient Aztec & Mayan food is super equipped with iron and contains 314 % of the recommended daily intake of iron per 28g serving.

·      Cacao increases the endorphins in your body, which boosts your serotonin levels which in turn makes you happy.

·       Last but not least, cacao is great for your skin as it comprises of sulfur, a mineral that assists in detoxifying the liver and therefore encourages strong nails, healthy hair and clear skin.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 medium avocados
• 1 large banana
• 1/4 cup gluten-free raw cacao powder
• 1/2 cup organic/pure maple syrup 

COOKING 

1. Remove the flesh from the avocados and spoon into a food processor or good blender. Add the banana, cacao and syrup and blend until smooth. Spoon (or pipe if you want a more elegant look) mousse into 4 glasses and refrigerate for 2 hours or until set. Add cut fresh fruit on top of the mousse to serve, if you wish. 

Serves / 4 

Total Preparation & Cooking time / 5 minutes (plus 2 hours refrigeration)

x Emily