Dessert for Two: Aphrodite's Raw Vegan Chocolate Maca Mousse (Recipe!)

Looking for the perfect fuss-free treat to whip up for Valentine's Day? This rich and sultry raw chocolate mousse is the perfect treat to enjoy with your lover, or with your own lovable self, and it's chock full of healthy ingredients to nourish you from head to toe. And don't for one minute think you shouldn't be celebrating Valentine's Day if you're not in a romantic relationship right now. 

The relationship you have with yourself will forever be the most important. You can't nurture others if you don't first nurture yourself. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup...

Let this holiday be an excuse to shower your own beautiful self with love and appreciation, and nourish your body and soul with delectable raw chocolate superfood recipes. And we're here to help you with the latter, as usual.

So what makes this recipe perfect for VDay?

Maca root is a Peruvian adaptogen known for helping to balance hormones and boost the libido, while cacao stimulates feel-good endorphins and helps open the heart chakra. Together they create a dynamic superfood duo with some serious aphrodisiac properties. You can thank us later. *wink wink*

This recipe ends up incredibly rich, fluffy, and mousse-like thanks to a combination of avocado and young Thai coconut meat. The sweetness level can easily be adjusted to your own taste buds. A great recipe for kids too as a much healthier alternative to more processed chocolate puddings (Yes, chocolate pudding in a box, we're looking at you...). We hope you enjoy!

The Recipe

Raw Vegan Chocolate Maca Mousse

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 cup young Thai coconut meat

1 medium Hass avocado (ripe, but not brown)

3 Tbs raw cacao powder

2 soaked medjool dates

2-3 Tbs maple syrup (adjust to taste. We used 2 Tbs)

1/2 -1 tsp Veggimins Maca Matrix

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

4-6 Tbs coconut water*

1 pinch Himalayan crystal salt

Optional: add a pinch of cayenne to turn up the heat even more

Rawmio Raw Chocolate Hearts to garnish

Instructions

1. Crack open (carefully!) your Thai coconut and drain out the water. You'll be using some of this for your recipe, but drink the rest for a hydration boost.

2. Scoop out your coconut meat and add it to your blender. Save any extra for another recipe (toss it into your next smoothie!).

3. Add all additional ingredients to your blender carafe and blend on medium first, then high. You may need to stop your blender several times to scrape the sides. This recipe will work best in a high speed blender like a Blendtec or Vitamix - this will give you the smoothest, most mousse-like consistency. However, use what you have! It might not be as silky-smooth, but it will surely be delicious.  

4. Scoop into 2 bowls or glasses and top with a few Rawmio hearts for good measure. Enjoy! 

*The amount of coconut water that you'll need will depend a lot on the moisture level of the coconut meat. Start with 4 Tbs and adjust as needed so that your blender blades catch properly. Less coconut water will make a thicker, more dense mousse. Adjust to your liking!