Chocolate Lover's Dessert

If you are a "chocoholic" then you know how hard it is to diet, since most diets don't usually include chocolate. While chocolate may not be an addiction in a technical sense, it can be a mental addiction. But is chocolate all that bad for us?

Chocolate, in its natural form, contains some very interesting chemicals. Some of these chemicals include Theophylline which stimulates the central nervous system, Phenylethylamine (PEA) which is similar to amphetamine, PEA can give us a feeling of elation, which is likened to the feeling of falling in love, and Xanthine, which acts like caffeine, and can give us a jittery feeling.

These chemicals, and our body's reactions to them, may be one explanation of why some of us are mentally addicted to chocolate.

On a more positive side, dark chocolate actually contains antioxidants, which are good for us. To get the desired dose of antioxidants however, only requires about 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate a day. Unfortunately for us "chocloholics" most chocolate, like candy bars, are loaded with fat and sugar, which we know is bad for our healthy well being. So the next time you have a chocolate craving, try this delicious alternative.

Healthy, Dark Chocolate Mousse
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 (12.3-ounce) package silken tofu, drained
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup plus ½ teaspoon superfine sugar
1 tablespoon brandy
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 1/4 teaspoons shaved chocolate

In a blender or food processor, puree the tofu until it is smooth. Combine cocoa powder, chopped chocolate, 1/4 cup water and brandy in a saucepan (or double boiler with 1" of barely simmering water). Stir constantly, until ingredients are melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Gradually stir in 1/2 cup of sugar mixing until smooth.

Add chocolate mixture to tofu and puree in blender or food processor until smooth and blended well.

Spoon the mousse into serving dishes, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Whip the cream in a chilled mixing bowl. When the cream is close to being completely whipped, add remaining 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and whip until peaks form. Top each dish of Mousse with 1 Tablespoon of whipped cream and ¼ teaspoon of chocolate shavings.

Yield: 5 ½ cup servings. Nutrition Information: Calories 278, Total Fat 13 grams, Saturated Fat 6 grams, Protein 6 grams, Carbohydrates 35 grams, Fiber 3 grams.

Some of us just cannot live without our chocolate, and with healthy recipes like this one, we don't have to!