Cancer Fighting Valentine's Day: Avocado Chocolate Mousse

A cancer-fighting delish chocolate mousse recipe for your Valentine! The perfect healthy dessert for your celebration.

CANCER FIGHTING INGREDIENTS

Cacao (dark chocolate and cacao powder)
Cacao is a rich source of flavanols, which are powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body against free radicals, reducing cell damage. Damaged cells can lead to cancer development.

Avocado
Avocados are an excellent source of anti-inflammatory healthy fats. The phytochemicals in avocado have been shown to possess chemopreventitve properties.

Strawberries
Loaded with vitamin C and a group of polyphenol compounds, strawberries can play a valuable role in a diet to reduce cancer risk by protecting the cells against damage.

RECIPE
Makes 4 servings | Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3.5-ounce dark chocolate bar (70% or higher)
  • 2 large ripe avocados
  • 3 tablespoons cacao powder, unsweetened
  • 1/4 cup almond milk, unsweetened
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2-3 teaspoons maple syrup or agave
  • Pinch of salt
  • Toppings: fresh strawberries, chopped

Directions

  1. Slice avocados and remove the pits. Scoop avocados into a high-speed blender or food processor.
  2. Add all other ingredients, except for dark chocolate bar.
  3. Chop dark chocolate bar into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring between each and watching carefully so that the chocolate does not burn. This should take a total of one minute. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop.
  4. Add melted chocolate to the blender or food processor.
  5. Blend until very smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the bowl as needed.
  6. Taste and add another teaspoon of maple syrup or agave if additional sweetness is desired.
  7. Spoon into glasses or dessert dish. Top with strawberries or raspberries and enjoy!
  8. Store in the refrigerator in airtight container.

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Carolina Schneider, MS, RD is a registered dietitian and founder of Hungry for Plants. She specializes in plant-based nutrition and has followed a whole-food, vegan diet for the past 10 years. Carolina is passionate about cancer prevention education and has worked with many cancer patients helping them with nutrition care and treatment. She is also a nutrition writer and educator, with a mission to help individuals improve their health and well-being by eating better, not less. You can find Carolina's nutrition tips and plant-based recipes at “Carolina The Green RD” on Instagram.