Coconut Cream Chocolate Mousse

Spoonfuls of fluffy whipped cream layered with berries or dark chocolate might not sound like anything new until we tell you that the whipped cream is made entirely from coconut milk – no added sugar and no dairy.

An electric mixer works best, as it whips the most air into the thick coconut cream that separates from the liquid in the can. The result is a silky smooth whipped cream that is not quite as thick as conventional whipped cream made from whole milk cream, but it’s just as delicious.

Adding four ounces of melted dark chocolate to a can of coconut milk creates a delicious mousse. Gently stirred together and chilled, melted dark chocolate and coconut milk whipped cream creates a dish you won’t soon forget. The chocolate (the darker the better) masks much of the coconut flavor, so if you’re not crazy about coconut we think you’ll still be crazy about coconut cream chocolate mousse.

Coconuts are seen by some as a miracle food, helping protect and cure the body of internal and external ailments. Coconut milk has many uses, most of which build up the immune system and the body's defenses. You can find coconut milk in the ethnic foods section of a local grocery store or make it at home.

Not all brands of canned coconut milk are ideal. Try a number of different brands to find the one most suitable to your liking. Good coconut milk has a clean, white color and tastes rich, creamy and mildly sweet with the essence of coconut. It should also have a complexity and depth of flavor that keeps you intrigued and not leave an unpleasant aftertaste.

Good brands of coconut milk, therefore, will have the thicker cream floating on top of the can while the milk on the bottom will appear similar to the consistency of water. The cream usually separates to the top more readily in cool weather, or when refrigerated. For recipes requiring coconut cream, do not shake the can before opening; spoon out the thick cream on top.

On hot days, refrigerate the can so that the cream will harden and can be easily separated from the lighter milk. Coconut milk contains many vitamins, minerals and electrolytes, including potassium, calcium and chloride.

The saturated fat in coconut is made up of short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids the body quickly turns into energy instead of storing as fat. Therefore, even though it's high in saturated fat, coconut can aid in weight loss.

Half the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut milk are composed of lauric acid, which is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal. Coconut milk can help boost the immune system. Coconut milk is a dairy-free alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to animal milk. This vegan drink is also soy-free, gluten-free and nut-free.

Ingredients:

• One 12 ounce can of full-fat coconut milk
• 4 ounces of cooled, melted dark chocolate

(makes enough for two servings)

Instructions:

• Put the can of coconut milk in the coldest part of the refrigerator for several hours preferably overnight.
• Do not shake the can.
• When you open the can after its chilled, spoon out the solid top layer of creamy coconut, be careful not to include any of the watery liquid on the bottom of the can.
• Don’t waste the coconut water, drink it, add to smoothie or to baking products or soups. It is a great source of potassium.
• Whip the coconut cream with the electric mixer until it has the airy texture of whipped cream, approximately 5 minutes.
• For a coconut cream chocolate mousse gently fold in the melted chocolate into the whipped cream until well blended.
• Scoop into small serving bowls, top with fresh raspberries or favorite fruit and shaved dark chocolate, cover and refrigerate. Take out of refrigerator one hour prior to serving.

Serving Suggestions:

There are plenty of different delicious combinations that can make this simple dish very extravagant and compliment any dinner theme.

For example:

• add cut up pieces of your favorite fruit and fold into the whipped cream.
• add a few drops of pure vanilla extract with ½ teaspoon cinnamon.
• add melted white chocolate with chopped almond or chopped macadamia nuts.
• add a few drops of rum flavor or maple syrup and ½ cup raisins.

Whichever combination you choose, sprinkle with chocolate or nuts or fresh fruit before serving. Enjoy!

Photo by Cansu Tastan from Burst

Bon Appetite!...TKH