Recipe: Chocolate Espresso Tofu Mousse

Do you have 80 calories to spare for a creamy chocolate dessert? This creative recipe calls for tofu, bananas and dark, bittersweet chocolate. Blend them all up into a sweet treat that can stave off your wildest chocolate cravings.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces extra firm tofu
• 2 ripe bananas
• 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
• 2 ounces 70% cocoa dark bittersweet chocolate
• 6 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon, 2 teaspoons agave nectar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. Place tofu in food processor and blend until creamy.
2. Add bananas and process until smooth.
3. In a saucepan, heat chocolate to melt. Add espresso powder.
4. Add chocolate mixture to tofu along with remaining
   ingredients and process in food processor until smooth.
5. Transfer to individual dishes or a large bowl to serve.

Ingredient health benefits

• Tofu: You may be surprised to see this ingredient in a dessert recipe, but tofu will provide a rich, creamy base for this satisfying sweet treat. Not to mention, it’s rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats that have omega-3s, which can help lower your cholesterol levels. Tofu is also a good source of manganese and calcium, minerals that support your bones so they can support you. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) promotes a healthy metabolism, while inflammation-fighting flavonoids help lower your blood pressure. And that’s not all. Tofu is a vegan-friendly complete protein, meaning that it has all the amino acids and none of the meat!
• Bananas: It’s common knowledge that these long berries (yes, berries!) are loaded with heart-helpful potassium, but there’s so much more to appreciate. Bananas are also full of fiber and vitamin C for a thriving immune system and good digestion. Vitamin B6, an important B vitamin, is responsible for many different aspects of your health from your brain to your blood cells. And last but not least, bananas are high in magnesium, which helps keep your bones sturdy and your heart pumping.
• Dark chocolate: Come to the dark side! Dark chocolate has natural plant compounds called flavanols, a type of flavonoid, that support your heart and brain health by helping to lower your blood pressure and promote better blood flow. It’s also rich in fiber for a thriving gut microbiome and polyphenols that may help improve your mood.

Nutrition information (per serving)

Makes 12 servings
Serving = 1/4 cup

Calories: 80
Sodium: 0 mg
Sugars: 5 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Saturated fat: 1.5 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrate: 9 g