CHOCOLATE AVOCADO MOUSSE: National Avocado Day

Today is National Avocado Day. Avocados are full of healthy nutrients, so add chocolate with its anti-oxidants, and Chocolate Avocado Mousse is a healthy treat, sort of. So here are 2 'healthy' recipes for Chocolate Avocado Mousse. Avocado Mousse is really delicious and simple to make! You've probably made guacamole, and you've had avocado toast. Now try Chocolate Avocado Mousse! You're going to love it! It's full of healthy nutrients and anti-oxidants.

1. Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Recipe adapted from The 10 Things You Need to Eat: And More Than 100 Easy and Delicious Ways to Prepare Them

Ingredients
12 ounces good quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp chili powder
1 large, ripe Haas avocado, pitted and peeled
3/4 cup light brown sugar
6 egg whites

Directions
Melt chocolate with cinnamon and chili powder in double boiler over hot water and set aside. Purée avocado and brown sugar in food processor until smooth. With machine running, pour in chocolate mixture. Using stand mixer or whisk, beat egg whites until they form soft peaks. Fold chocolate mixture into egg whites. Pour mousse into 6 small serving bowls or wineglasses and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or covered overnight.

2. Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Recipe adapted from Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
4 very ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
1/2 cup agave
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine salt

Directions
Place chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) in small bowl. Place over small saucepan of barely simmering water. Stir until chocolate is melted and smooth, about 3 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly. Place melted chocolate, avocados, agave, cocoa powder, vanilla and salt in food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping sides of bowl as needed. Spoon into glasses and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (can be prepared 1 day in advance).

CHOCOLATE AVOCADO PIE: National Avocado Day

Avocados are filled with antioxidants, so they're perfect to pair with chocolate! Avocados have been in my fruit/vegetable bowl for many, many years, but it's only recently that I've begun using them with chocolate. They are so versatile. Avocados contain a lot of fat, so they're great in Chocolate Avocado Mousse, Truffles, and Puddings. And, since today is National Avocado Day, I've chosen them as the main ingredient in this Chocolate Avocado Pie.

For this Chocolate Avocado Pie, you can make either a chocolate cookie crust or an Oreo cookie crust, as included in the recipe. Both work well. And, if you're lactose intolerant, you can use coconut milk instead of cream (you can use cream, if you prefer). Make sure your coconut milk is the very best and contains only coconut milk and water. Emulsifiers will 'gum' up the works and prevent the fat from separating.

Chocolate Avocado Pie

Ingredients
35 Oreos
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cans (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk (or cream equivalent), chilled overnight
2 Tbsp sugar
7 ounces dark chocolate (70% cacao), chopped
5 ripe avocados
1/2 cup Dark cocoa powder
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Dash of salt

Directions
In food processor, pulse Oreos into coarse crumbs. Mix with melted butter and press into bottom of pie pan and up the sides. Put in refrigerator.
Being careful not to shake coconut milk cans, remove from refrigerator and open. The thick coconut cream will have separated to the top. Scoop out dense cream, leaving water. Whip coconut cream with electric mixer for a few seconds, until smooth and creamy. Fold in 2 Tbsp sugar and set in refrigerator. (If you're using regular cream, whip it up and add sugar).
Melt chocolate in double boiler.
In food processor add melted chocolate, avocados, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. Blend until smooth.
In large bowl, gently fold together avocado chocolate and coconut whipped cream (or regular whipped cream).
Pour into prepared pie crust, cover, and refrigerate for 3 hours to set.

5 DIY CHOCOLATE FACE MASKS: The Perfect Gift for Mother's Day!

Here's a personal and unique Mother's Day Gift! A Chocolate Facial for Mom! Mix up one of these recipes -- the Perfect Mother's Day gift. Be sure to make a second batch for yourself!

We all know Chocolate is good for the heart, blood pressure, and a lot more. When I was growing up, we were told that chocolate was bad for the skin. That it actually caused acne. This is not true. Chocolate is full of antioxidants that actually give the skin extra protection against free radicals and can nourish the skin. The following masks can increase hydration, support skin's defense against UV damage, decrease roughness, and actually improve blood flow. Give one or all of them a try.

Pros of Chocolate Face Mask: The skin becomes glowing and soft. The skin becomes firm and smooth. Even if the mask goes into your mouth, no problem; it tastes yummy. The final Chocolate Face Mask even has an alternative fudge recipe.

So here are 5 D-I-Y Chocolate Face Mask Recipes! They're all simple to make. Let me know which is your favorite.

1. Chocolate Mask from Household Magic: Daily Tips

Mix together a heaping Tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder with heavy cream to form a paste.
Apply to clean, dry skin and leave paste on for 15 minutes.
Wipe off mask with washcloth.
Rinse face with lukewarm water and pat dry.

2. Chocolate Yogurt Honey Mask from Flavor Fiesta

Ingredients:
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp yogurt
1 tsp honey

Directions:
Blend cocoa powder with honey and yogurt. Cocoa powder can be difficult to blend, so be patient with this step. Keep mixing until mixture looks like melted chocolate.
Clean your face with lukewarm water. Dab dry and then apply the mask evenly all over your face except the eye and lip areas. Relax for 15-20 minutes and let the mask do it’s magic.
Wash off with lukewarm water and dab dry.
Apply moisturizer.

3. Chocolate Brown Sugar Sea Salt Mask from WikiHow

Ingredients
2 bars of dark chocolate, chopped
2/3 cup of milk
Sea salt
3 Tbsp Brown Sugar

Directions
Heat dark chocolate in double boiler for about 3 minutes.
Mix sea salt, brown sugar, and 2/3 of a cup milk in a bowl.
Remove melted chocolate from heat.
Mix melted chocolate with salt/milk mixture.
Allow to cool.
Apply to face while cool but not hardened.
Leave on until it hardens.
Wash or chip off with mild cleanser and warm water.
Add moisturizer when done.

4. Chocolate Oatmeal Honey Mask from Skin Care and Remedies

Ingredients
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup organic honey
2 Tbsp of heavy cream (or sour cream)
3 tsp oatmeal powder

Directions
Mix all ingredients until mass in consistent.
Apply to face, gently massaging so oatmeal can start exfoliating the dead skin cell layer.
Leave on for about 15-20 minutes
Rinse off with lukewarm water.

The following recipe is one of my favorites because it's so versatile.. with a tiny bit of tweaking, you can make fudge! How cool is that?

5. Chocolate Avocado, Honey, Oatmeal Face Mask (or Fudge)  

 from Meghan Telpner-Making Love in the Kitchen

Ingredients
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup organic honey
2 Tbsp smashed avocado
3 tsp oatmeal powder (leave this out if making soft fudge, leave in if you want a harder texture)

Directions: Face Mask
Mix all ingredients until mass is consistent.
Apply on face, gently massaging so oatmeal can start exfoliating the dead skin cell layer.
Leave on for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse off with lukewarm water.

Instructions: Fudge
Mix all ingredients (except oatmeal) until mass is consistent.
Spread in small pyrex dish or into individual ramikens.
Allow to set in refrigerator for at least two hours.

CHOCOLATE AVOCADO MOUSSE: 2 Recipes for National Chocolate Mousse Day

Today is National Chocolate Mousse Day. Well, actually there are two Chocolate Mousse Days during the year. That's o.k. because Chocolate Mousse is something to celebrate more than once. And, in honor of the day, I'm posting 2 'healthy' chocolate mousse recipes for Avocado Chocolate Mousse. It's really delicious and simple to make! You've probably made guacamole, and you've had avocado toast. Now try Chocolate Avocado Mousse! You're going to love it! It's full of healthy nutrients and anti-oxidants.

1. Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Recipe adapted from The 10 Things You Need to Eat: And More Than 100 Easy and Delicious Ways to Prepare Them

Ingredients
12 ounces good quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp chili powder
1 large, ripe Haas avocado, pitted and peeled
3/4 cup light brown sugar
6 egg whites

Directions
Melt chocolate with cinnamon and chili powder in double boiler over hot water and set aside. Purée avocado and brown sugar in food processor until smooth. With machine running, pour in chocolate mixture. Using stand mixer or whisk, beat egg whites until they form soft peaks. Fold chocolate mixture into egg whites. Pour mousse into 6 small serving bowls or wineglasses and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or covered overnight.

2. Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Recipe adapted from Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
4 very ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
1/2 cup agave
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine salt

Directions
Place chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) in small bowl. Place over small saucepan of barely simmering water. Stir until chocolate is melted and smooth, about 3 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly. Place melted chocolate, avocados, agave, cocoa powder, vanilla and salt in food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping sides of bowl as needed. Spoon into glasses and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (can be prepared 1 day in advance).

DARK CHOCOLATE AVOCADO TRUFFLES: Forget the Toast!

Today is National Avocado Day! Forget the Toast - Avocado and Chocolate make for a great pairing! Avocado enriches the chocolate flavor of these truffles--and they're heart-healthy. The avocado replaces the heavy cream without losing any 'creaminess in texture,' and there's only a hint of the avocado taste .. and that's delicious. These truffles are vegan and gluten-free, too.

Dark Chocolate Avocado Truffles

Ingredients
1 ripe avocado (about 1/3 cup mashed avocado)
5 ounces dark chocolate (60-75% cacao), chopped
1 Tbsp dark brown sugar (optional)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch Kosher salt (or regular if you don't have Kosher salt)
2 1/2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions
Pit and mash avocado until completely smooth.
Melt chocolate in saucepan over another saucepan over simmering water.
Once melted, stir in mashed avocado, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and 1-1/2 Tbsp cocoa powder until thoroughly combined.
Cover truffle mixture with plastic wrap and put in refrigerator for 30-40 minutes until partially set.
Scoop out to create truffles and then form balls with your hands.
Roll in remaining 1 Tbsp of cocoa powder.

Store in refrigerator..but always serve truffles at room temperature. They'll taste so much better!

CHOCOLATE AVOCADO PIE: National Avocado Day

Avocados seem to be popping up everywhere lately. Now, if you're like me, you like guacamole, and you may even favor avocado toast (but not at $15 a serving at your local cafe). Avocados have always in my fruit/vegetable bowl and have been for many, many years. Avocados are very versatile. They contain a lot of fat, so they're great in Chocolate Avocado Mousse, Truffles, and Puddings. And, since today is National Avocado Day, it's perfect to make this pie!

The following is a great Chocolate Avocado Pie because although you can make a chocolate cookie crust, you can also elevate the crust by making it with Oreos. And, if you're glucose intolerant, there's coconut milk instead of cream (you can substitute cream, if you'd prefer). Make sure your coconut milk is the very best and contains only coconut milk and water. Emulsifiers will 'gum' up the works and prevent the fat from separating.

Chocolate Avocado Pie

Ingredients
35 Oreos
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cans (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk (or cream equivalent), chilled overnight
2 Tbsp sugar
7 ounces dark chocolate (70% cacao), chopped
5 ripe avocados
1/2 cup Dark cocoa powder
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Dash of salt

Directions
In food processor, pulse Oreos into coarse crumbs. Mix with melted butter and press into bottom of pie pan and up the sides. Put in refrigerator.
Being careful not to shake coconut milk cans, remove from refrigerator and open. The thick coconut cream will have separated to the top. Scoop out dense cream, leaving water. Whip coconut cream with electric mixer for a few seconds, until smooth and creamy. Fold in 2 Tbsp sugar and set in refrigerator. (If you're using regular cream, whip it up and add sugar).
Melt chocolate in double boiler.
In food processor add melted chocolate, avocados, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. Blend until smooth.
In large bowl, gently fold together avocado chocolate and coconut whipped cream (or regular whipped cream).
Pour into prepared pie crust, cover, and refrigerate for 3 hours to set.

Easy 4-Ingredient Avocado Truffles

A few days ago I posted a recipe for Zucchini Brownies. In keeping with the healthy veggie and chocolate theme, here's a recipe for Easy 4-Ingredient Avocado Truffles. You'll love the smooth creamy texture of these truffles--and you'll be getting your healthy fats and antioxidants. Basically, you'll be using only four ingredients: dark chocolate, avocado, salt, and cocoa, so these truffles will be low in sugar and high in antioxidants. They're also gluten-free and vegan. And, FYI: you won't taste the avocado, but it will provide the creaminess.

EASY 4-INGREDIENT AVOCADO TRUFFLES

Ingredients
4 ounces 70% dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons pureed avocado
Pinch of sea salt
1/8 unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions
Melt chocolate in double boiler over pot of simmering water. Remove from heat and stir in avocado and salt. Mixture will thicken to frosting-like texture.
Cover and chill bowl until ganache thickens, about 25 minutes. Using melon baller, scoop out small measure of ganache and roll in hands to smooth out into balls. If balls don't form, refrigerate ganache for 30 minutes more.
Put cocoa powder in small bowl, then roll each of truffle balls in cocoa powder to coat.
Store in cool location or in airtight container in the refrigerator.

CHOCOLATE AVOCADO MOUSSE: 2 Recipes for National Chocolate Mousse Day!

Today is National Chocolate Mousse Day. Well, actually there are two Chocolate Mousse Days during the year. That's o.k. because Chocolate Mousse is something to celebrate more than once. And, in honor of the day, I'm posting 2 'healthy' chocolate mousse recipes for Avocado Chocolate Mousse. It's really delicious and simple to make! You've had guacamole, and you've had avocado toast. Now try Chocolate Avocado Mousse! You're going to love it!

1. Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Recipe adapted from The 10 Things You Need to Eat: And More Than 100 Easy and Delicious Ways to Prepare Them

Ingredients
12 ounces good quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp chili powder
1 large, ripe Haas avocado, pitted and peeled
3/4 cup light brown sugar
6 egg whites

Directions
Melt the chocolate with cinnamon and chili powder in double boiler over hot water and set aside. Purée avocado and brown sugar in food processor until smooth. With machine running, pour in  chocolate mixture. Using stand mixer or whisk, beat egg whites until they form soft peaks. Fold chocolate mixture into egg whites. Pour tmousse into 6 small serving bowls or wineglasses and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or covered overnight.

2.  Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Recipe adapted from Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
4 very ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
1/2 cup agave
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine salt

Directions
Place chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) in small bowl. Place over small saucepan of barely simmering water. Stir until chocolate is melted and smooth, about 3 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly. Place melted chocolate, avocados, agave, cocoa powder, vanilla and salt in food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping sides of bowl as needed. Spoon into glasses and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (can be prepared 1 day in advance).

Chocolate Avocado Pie

Avocados seem to be popping up everywhere lately. Now, if you're like me, you like guacamole, and you may even favor avocado toast (but not at $15 a serving at your local cafe). Avocados have always in my fruit/vegetable bowl and have been for many, many years. Avocados are very versatile. They contain a lot of fat, so they're great in Chocolate Avocado Mousse and Puddings.

The following is a great Chocolate Avocado Pie because although you can make a chocolate cookie crust, you can also elevate the crust by making it with Oreos. And, if you're glucose intolerant, there's coconut milk instead of cream (you can substitute cream, if you'd prefer). Make sure your coconut milk is the very best and contains only coconut milk and water. Emulsifiers will 'gum' up the works and prevent the fat from separating.

Chocolate Avocado Pie

Ingredients
35 Oreos
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cans (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk (or cream equivalent), chilled overnight
2 Tbsp sugar
7 ounces dark chocolate (70% cacao), chopped
5 ripe avocados
1/2 cup Dark cocoa powder
1/2 tsp Madagascar vanilla extract
Dash of salt

Directions
In food processor, pulse Oreos into coarse crumbs. Mix with melted butter and press into bottom of pie pan and up the sides. Put in refrigerator.
Being careful not to shake coconut milk cans, remove from refrigerator and open. The thick coconut cream will have separated to the top. Scoop out dense cream, leaving water. Whip coconut cream with electric mixer for a few seconds, until smooth and creamy. Fold in 2 Tbsp sugar and set in refrigerator. (If you're using cream, whip it up and add sugar).
Melt chocolate in double boiler.
In food processor add melted chocolate, avocados, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. Blend until smooth.
In large bowl, gently fold together avocado chocolate and coconut whipped cream (or regular whipped cream).
Pour into prepared pie crust, cover, and refrigerate for 3 hours to set.

Dark Chocolate Avocado Truffles

O.K. You read the subject of this blog, and you're saying, "What? Avocado? No way." But when you try these, you'll discover that avocado in these truffles enriches the flavor. These truffles are fabulous and heart-healthy. The avocado replaces the heavy cream without losing any 'creaminess in texture,' and there's only a hint of the avocado taste .. and that's delicious. These truffles are vegan and gluten-free, too.

Dark Chocolate Avocado Truffles

Ingredients
1 ripe avocado (about 1/3 cup mashed avocado)
5 ounces dark chocolate (60-75% cacao), chopped
1 Tbsp dark brown sugar (optional)
1/2 tsp Madagascar vanilla extract
Pinch Kosher salt (or regular if you don't have Kosher salt)
2 1/2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions
Pit and mash avocado until completely smooth.
Melt chocolate in pot over another pot over simmering water.
Once melted, stir in mashed avocado, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and 1-1/2 Tbsp cocoa powder until thoroughly combined.
Cover truffle mixture with plastic wrap and put in refrigerator for 30-40 minutes until partially set.
Scoop out to create truffles and then form balls with your hands.
Roll in remaining 1 Tbsp of cocoa powder.

Store in refrigerator..but always serve truffles at room temperature. They'll taste so much better!

Tuesday Tips: 5 DIY Chocolate Face Mask Recipes

We all know that Chocolate is good for the heart, blood pressure, and a lot more. When I was growing up, we were told that chocolate was bad for the skin. That it actually caused acne. This is not true. Chocolate is full of antioxidants that actually gives the skin extra protection against free radicals and can nourish the skin. The following masks can increase hydration, support skin's defense against UV damage, decrease roughness, and actually improve blood flow. Give one or all of them a try.

Pros of Chocolate Face Mask: The skin becomes glowing and soft. The skin becomes firm and smooth. Even if the mask goes into your mouth, no problem, it tastes yummy. The final Chocolate Face Mask even has an alternative fudge recipe.

So today's Tuesday Chocolate Tip: 5 D-I-Y Chocolate Face Mask Recipes! They're all simple to make. Let me know which is your favorite.

1. Chocolate Mask from Household Magic: Daily Tips

Mix together a heaping Tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder with heavy cream to form a paste.
Apply to clean, dry skin and leave the paste on for 15 minutes.
Wipe off mask with washcloth.
Rinse face with lukewarm water and pat dry.

2. Chocolate Yogurt Honey Mask from Flavor Fiesta

Ingredients:
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp yogurt
1 tsp honey

Directions:
1. Blend cocoa powder with honey and yogurt. Cocoa powder can be difficult to blend, so be patient with this step. Keep mixing until mixture looks like melted chocolate.
2. Clean your face with lukewarm water. Dab dry and then apply the mask evenly all over your face except the eye and lip areas. Relax for 15-20 minutes and let the mask do it’s magic.
3. Wash off with lukewarm water and dab dry.
Apply moisturizer.

3. Chocolate Brown Sugar Sea Salt Mask from WikiHow

Ingredients
2 bars of dark chocolate
2/3 cup of milk
Sea salt
3 Tbsp Brown Sugar

Directions
Heat dark chocolate in a double boiler for about 3 minutes.
Mix sea salt, brown sugar, and 2/3 of a cup milk in a bowl.
Remove melted chocolate from heat.
Mix melted chocolate with salt/milk mixture.
Allow to cool.
Apply to face while cool but not hardened.
Leave on until it hardens.
Wash or chip off with mild cleanser and warm water.
Add moisturizer when done.

4. Chocolate Oatmeal Honey Mask from Skin Care and Remedies

Ingredients
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup organic honey
2 Tbsp of heavy cream (or sour cream)
3 tsp oatmeal powder

Directions
Mix all ingredients until mass in consistent.
Apply to face, gently massaging so oatmeal can start exfoliating the dead skin cell layer.
Leave on for about 15-20 minutes
Rinse off with lukewarm water.

This is one of my favorites because it's so versatile.. with a tiny bit of tweaking, you can make fudge! How cool is that!

5. Chocolate Avocado, Honey, Oatmeal Face Mask (or Fudge)  
 from Meghan Telpner-Making Love in the Kitchen

Ingredients
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup organic honey
2 Tbsp smashed avocado
3 tsp oatmeal powder (leave this out if making soft fudge, leave in if you want a harder texture)

Directions: Face Mask
Mix all the ingredient until mass is consistent.
Apply on face, gently massaging so oatmeal can start exfoliating the dead skin cell layer.
Leave on for 15-20 minutes
Rinse off with lukewarm water.

Instructions: Fudge
Mix all ingredients (except oatmeal) until mass is consistent.
Spread in small pyrex dish or into individual ramikens
Allow to set in refrigerator for at least two hours.

Photo: Meghan Telpner: Making Love in the Kitchen