National Chocolate Mousse Day is today and thought I’d share a delicious, yet healthy, way to celebrate.  While traditional mousse and pudding recipes often require large amounts of whipping cream and butter (delicious in many instances), using tofu provides a healthier alternative that’s still decadent in flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 package 14 oz. House Foods Soft Tofu
• ¾ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup of milk (can substitute coconut milk)
• ½ Tbsp. vanilla
• 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground cardamom (optional)

Directions:

1. Open the tofu package and strain water.  Remove the tofu from package and pulse in blender until smooth, about 1 minute.
2. With the stove on low, melt the chocolate chips and milk in a pot, stirring until smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the tofu to the chocolate mixture and stir until completely incorporated.  Stir in vanilla, cinnamon and cardamom, if using.
4. Quickly remove from heat and spoon in 4-6 individual cups.  Cool completely then refrigerate until it becomes thick like a mousse, about 2 hours.

Serves 4-6.

Notes:  Add your own personal twist to this recipe by considering some of the suggestions below:

• Top the pudding with toasted slivered almonds or other nuts, coconut shavings, or cocoa powder
• Replace the 1 tsp. ground cardamom with ½ tsp. chili powder for a spicy Mexican Chocolate Mousse
• Add a little agave nectar for an even sweeter pudding