Contrary to popular belief, dietitians eat more than just lettuce with dressing on the side. We are ordinary people with food cravings. And today I felt like having a decadent chocolate mousse. So I made it. It is luxurious, chocolaty and oh so good. Is it nutritious? Well… It does have 3.6 grams of protein, 12% of my daily needs for vitamin A and riboflavin, 10% of omega 3 fatty acids, 8% of vitamin D and magnesium, and 4% of my daily fiber intake. However, the reality of the situation is, I’m not eating it for its health benefits. I’m eating it because I desire something sweet and self-indulgent.
With 167 kcal per serving, the portion sizes are perfect – just big enough to satisfy your craving yet not so big to make you feel guilty about eating it. That, in my opinion, is the definition of moderation. I know, I know… You may not be too thrilled with the idea of moderation, but it is one of the most efficient ways to include foods like chocolate, ice cream, bacon, burgers and fries in your diet.
So how do you make this decadent dessert?
All you need is:
8 oz of whipping cream
8 oz of semi-sweet chocolate
1 cup of liquid egg whites (preferably pasteurized)
Beat the whipping cream until peaks start forming. Be careful not to over-whip, as you will turn the cream into butter. And we don’t need any butter for this recipe. In a separate bowl beat together the egg whites until firm. Melt the chocolate, in a microwave, for about 2 minutes, stirring half way through. Microwave strengths vary, so monitor carefully. Nothing ruins a dessert like the smell of burnt chocolate. Stir the chocolate until melted, and allow it to cool just slightly. Fold in the whipping cream until just mixed. Do the same for egg whites. Divide into 12 cups and refrigerate until set, for about 1-2 hours.
Don’t forget to lick the whisk and the spatula. This dessert is too good to wait for 2 hours before you can even get a taste. Once set, you can top with fresh berries for that healthy antioxidant kick, if it’s going to make you feel better about eating it. And enjoy without feeling guilty. You totally deserve it!
YUM!! And now I have a Sunday project. I’ve been craving some riboflavin (I think)!! Seriously, this sounds delicious…but I’m unclear – how many times am I allowed to dip and re-lick the spatula before it becomes excessive?
Ah… but I sad lick, not re-dip! You really need to give moderation a try!
I would but I’m afraid I’d moderate too much
You can make a really great mousse without any cream at all, perhaps something like that would be better for you? Anyway, this sounds great just as it is – yummy.
Oh I know. I also have a recipe using avocado and soy milk instead of cream. Much healthier. But yesterday was just one of those days.