A perfect snack or dessert when you you craving something sweet or chocolatey, this chocolate mousse serves all your needs; its thick, creamy, nutty and chocolatey. The combination of chocolate and hazelnut is always a crowd favourite and tastes super luxurious. Having this to look forward to after my dinner makes standard week night dinner feel like I could be dining out at a restaurant.

Unlike many chocolate mousse’s however, this recipe still provides plenty of essential nutrients, it is low in saturated fats and the secret ingredient provides a source of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. That ingredient being Silken Tofu. Tofu is made from condensed soya milk and packed into a solid in a process similar to cheese making. It is a complete source of protein (provides all essential amino acids), contains iron and magnesium and is relatively low in calories making it very nutrient dense.

When consumed in moderation, dark chocolate can actually be very good for us. 100g of dark chocolate provides about 10g of fibre and cocoa butter used to make chocolate provides heart healthy oleic acids. Cocoa beans contain polyphenols such as flavanols, a type of antioxidant that prevents oxidative damage to cells and are also extremely beneficial to your gut, said to be ‘like rocket fuel for your microbes’ according to ZOE scientists. These polyphenols have also been linked to improved heart function, are shown to reduce LDL cholesterol associated with fat storage, promote healthier skin and regulate blood sugar levels. In addition, dark chocolate is high in minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper and manganese which are essential for enzyme activity, muscle function, nerve transmission and many other processes in the body. These nutrients are also particularly important for women’s health during menstruation as they are usually low during this time (There is some science behind your chocolate cravings :)). That being said, the percentage cocoa in the dark chocolate your use is important. Dark chocolate is considered anything over 50% cocoa however lower percentage chocolates contain higher levels of saturated fats and refined sugars that actually hinder rather than benefit your health so try to use dark chocolates with at least 70% cocoa.

Finally- Hazelnuts, not only do they pair perfectly with dark chocolate but they are also rich in omega-3 which promote heart function and they provide some antioxidants and vitamins (vitamin E, magnesium, folate, potassium) that protect cells from damage.

This chocolate mousse is super easy to make with only 4 ingredients it can be made in about 5 minutes, placed into the fridge to thicken a little and can be ready for you to tuck into later the same day. The silken tofu gives it the creamy mousse texture without sacrificing the nutritional value and while I didn’t use vegan or daily free chocolate, this mousse recipe can be made vegan and/or dairy free if you were to use an alternative dark chocolate as it does not contain any milks or creams.

I hope you enjoy this one.