Admin • 1 December 2024
Tofu Chocolate Mousse with Cranberry Layer
For December Aimee has shared her vegan chocolate mousse made from silken tofu. It has a rich, chocolatey texture with a tart hint from the cranberries, making it a delicious festive dessert option! The cranberry layer will add a beautiful contrast to the rich chocolate mousse, both visually and in flavour. Aimee says “In the photo I’ve put the tart cranberry layer on the bottom, and arranged the soaked dried cranberries on top, rather than folding them through the mousse.”
Ingredients
- – 300 g silken tofu, drained
– 150 g dark chocolate (dairy-free, 70% cocoa or higher), melted
– 2 tbsp maple syrup or agave syrup (about 30 g)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract (about 5 g)
– 50 g dried cranberries, chopped
– 2 tbsp orange juice (about 30 g), for soaking the cranberries
– Optional: 1/4 tsp sea salt (for added flavor)
Cranberry Layer
- – 150 g fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2-3 tbsp maple syrup or agave syrup (about 30-45 g, adjust to taste)
– 60 ml water
– 1 tsp lemon juice (about 5 g)
– 1/2 tsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with 1 tbsp water (to thicken)
Method
- Soak the Cranberries: Place the chopped dried cranberries in a bowl with the orange juice. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes to soften.
- Blend the Tofu: In a food processor or blender, blend the silken tofu until smooth and creamy.
- Add Chocolate and Flavorings: Add the melted dark chocolate, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt (if using) to the tofu. Blend until well combined and smooth.
- Stir in Cranberries: Drain any excess orange juice from the soaked cranberries and gently fold them into the mousse mixture.
- Chill: Transfer the mousse into serving cups or bowls and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to set.
Cranberry layer
- Cook the Cranberries: In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, maple syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries start to burst and soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Lemon Juice and Thicken: Stir in the lemon juice. If you prefer a thicker consistency, add the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens.
- Blend for a Smooth Layer (Optional): For a smooth layer, blend the cranberry mixture in a blender or with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Cool: Allow the cranberry mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Add to Mousse: Spoon the cranberry layer over the set chocolate mousse and spread evenly.
- Chill Again: Return the mousse with the cranberry layer to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 30 minutes to set the top layer.
- Serve: Garnish a dusting of cocoa powder.
This recipe was provided by our brilliant retreat chef Aimee Walker. See Aimee on Instagram for more delicious recipes.
If you try this recipe, please leave a like, comment or message!
Brimming with flavour, this sweet and savoury miso roasted butternut squash is the ideal dish for a delicious winter feast.
Fresh thoughts for Christmas
In the relentless pace of modern life, we often wear busy-ness as a badge of honour. Our calendars are packed, our inboxes are full, and our minds are constantly whirring with to-do lists and responsibilities. We pour our energy into work, family, and social commitments, often leaving one crucial person overlooked: ourselves. The journey toward good wellbeing - a holistic state of physical, mental, and emotional health - can seem complex and intimidating. We read about intricate diets, intense exercise routines, and advanced meditation techniques. But the truth is, the most powerful and fundamental step is the simplest one: taking time for yourself. This isn't a luxury or an indulgence; it is the absolute foundation upon which all other forms of self-care and personal growth must be built. Why "Me-Time" is Non-Negotiable Thinking of "me-time" as selfish is a common misconception. In reality, it is a necessary act of self-preservation and rejuvenation. Imagine your energy and emotional reserve as a well. If you are constantly drawing water out for others without ever allowing it time to refill, the well will eventually run dry. When you are depleted, your ability to be a patient partner, an effective employee, or a supportive friend is severely diminished. Taking time for yourself is the conscious act of pausing the demands of the outside world and dedicating that space solely to your own needs. It is about shifting your focus inward, even if just for a few minutes. The Ripple Effect of Self-Connection When you prioritise this dedicated time, the benefits ripple out into every facet of your life: Stress Reduction: Stepping away from the constant noise allows your prefrontal cortex - the decision-making part of your brain - to rest. This pause can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to a calmer nervous system and clearer thinking. Problems that seemed insurmountable often become manageable after a period of quiet reflection. Emotional Regulation: When we are rushed and stressed, our emotions tend to be erratic and reactive. Time alone offers a chance to check in with yourself: How am I really feeling? What do I need right now? This awareness is the key to managing your feelings rather than letting them manage you. Increased Productivity: It may seem counterintuitive, but a short break can dramatically improve your performance. Taking time off allows for "diffuse thinking," where your brain makes connections and solves problems in the background. You come back to your tasks with renewed focus and fresh ideas. A Stronger Sense of Self: Constant interaction with others means we are often adjusting our behaviour to fit a social context. Solitude allows you to reconnect with your authentic self - your values, your dreams, and your genuine interests - free from external judgments or expectations.
