CHOCOLATE COCONUT TOFU MOUSSE. YOU'D NEVER KNOW IT'S TOFU.

 

 This dessert was inspired by Whole Foods.  I am always completely taken aback by the amount and variety of prepared foods at Whole Foods.  It's amazing!  If you need a quick dinner, this is the place to go.  Their self serve buffet bar has everything from fresh cooked salmon, to dozens of whole grain salads, to an entire row dedicated to nachos.  Yes, nachos!  Chips, cheese, any topping you could want, it's all here.  Honestly, I get a little intimidated by all of the choices and then end up choosing something small from the refrigerated section because I just don't trust myself at the buffet bar.

The other day, I was hungry for dinner but feeling a bit limited by the lack of substantial gluten free options.  So I grabbed a small salad and a chocolate tofu dessert from Whole Foods, figuring that it would do the trick.  Not only did it solve dinner for that night, but it inspired me to recreate that sweet, rich, chocolatey dessert at home as well.

Huge success.  I just loved these little bowls chocolate mousse, because they taste so smooth and decadent that you would never even know it's tofu.  It's a great option after a light dinner, since it's a bit filling itself.  I also serves very well as a make ahead dessert as it needs to be chilled, so you can literally just pull it out of the fridge.  And if you already have it in cute little dishes (or rustic mason jars) then there is no serving required either.

The ingredients for this Chocolate Coconut Tofu Mousse are simple, but important.  The main ingredient is tofu, but it is crucial that this be silken tofu.  You can find it easily at the grocery store, but just make sure you are choosing that silken option.  The chocolate I used was semi sweet chips, but this would also be very nice with a rich dark chocolate.  Finally, the coconut butter!  This was the first recipe that I put my recent Coconut Butter recipe to use in, and I'm so glad I did.  It added a wonderful layer to the chocolate flavour and coconut is always a pretty garnish.

Chocolate Coconut Tofu Mousse
1 530g package of silken firm tofu
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips (or try dark chocolate for a luxe version)
2 tablespoons agave syrup
2 tablespoons coconut butter

Melt the chocolate in a pot or double boiler over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.  Add all the ingredients, including the melted chocolate, to a food processor and blend until incorporated.  Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pushing through with a large spoon when necessary.  Pour the mixture into individual serving dishes and chill for at least 1 hour.  Top with coconut flakes or chocolate shavings if desired and serve.