avocado chocolate mousse

Serves: 2–3 Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados, peeled & pitted

• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)

• ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or other milk of choice)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt
  

Optional add-ins:

• 1–2 tbsp melted dark chocolate (extra rich)

• ½ tsp espresso powder (deepens chocolate flavor)

• Dash of cinnamon
  

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a food processor or high-speed blender.

2. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.

3. Taste and adjust sweetness or cocoa to preference.

4. Chill for 30–60 minutes for best texture (optional but recommended).

5. Spoon into bowls and enjoy!
   

Optional Toppings

• Dairy-free whipped topping

• Shaved dark chocolate

• Chopped nuts or cacao nibs

• Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries

Benefits of Avocados for Heart Health

• Rich in monounsaturated fats that help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and support HDL (“good”) cholesterol

• High in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and counteracts sodium

• Naturally cholesterol-free and sodium-free

• Good source of dietary fiber, supporting cholesterol reduction and overall heart health

• Contain antioxidants (like lutein) that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress

• May improve lipid profiles when used in place of saturated fats (butter, cream, mayonnaise)

• Support blood sugar control, which is important for heart health, especially in diabetes

  How to Pick a Ripe Avocado

  • Check the color: Look for dark green to nearly black skin (for Hass avocados). Very bright green usually means underripe.

  • Use the gentle squeeze test: Hold the avocado in the palm of your hand and gently squeeze.

    • Ripe: yields slightly to pressure

    • Hard: underripe

    • Very soft or mushy: overripe

  • Look under the stem: Gently pop off the small stem at the top.

    • Green underneath = ripe

    • Brown = overripe

    • Won’t come off easily = underripe

  • Plan ahead:

    • Buy firm avocados if you’ll use them in a few days

    • Buy ripe ones for same-day or next-day use

  Ripening tip: To speed ripening, place avocados in a paper bag with a banana or apple at room temperature. To slow ripening, refrigerate once ripe. Yours in health,

  
  

  The Crystal Coast Wellness and Performance Family