Silken Tofu and Chocolate Mousse

Have you ever told anyone you like tofu just to have them look at you like you were crazy or from another planet? Well, I used to be that person. I couldn't believe that tofu could be made to taste good. I mean how could anything so bland be useful anyways? It turns out tofu's blandness is what makes it interesting because, lo and behold, it is like a sponge and absorbs whatever flavors are around it. Most of you have probably known this for a while but I've had this epiphany only recently.

I discovered marinated and baked tofu, which, with a fresh, crunchy salad makes a great meal in itself. But what made me REALLY like tofu is this chocolate mousse I made yesterday. Yes, just yesterday! It's that good, I had to tell you guys about it right. this. minute!


I know what you're all thinking: "Tofu, in a dessert, and it's good? She's gone mad for sure!" But no! I'm telling you, it is good! I mean, it's no heavy-cream-with-eggs-and-a-ton-of-sugar chocolate mousse, but the texture is beautifully silky and all you taste is the chocolate. Unless of course you decide to add a little almond, vanilla or peppermint extract, or even some instant espresso powder, then you've got a whole different dessert. You could even use almond flavored silken tofu, which I did, but it was a bit too sweet, next time I'll try it with plain silken tofu and add some flavor to it myself. The true test of this recipe came when I served it to my kiddos and my better half. They all loved it! Even when I finally told them it was tofu! Now, if that isn't a success, I don't know what is!


Silken Tofu and Chocolate Mousse
Adapted from Michael Smith via Food Network Canada
8 oz (about 300g) package of silken tofu
8 oz (about 300g) of bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 tbsp vanilla extract (optional)

Start by melting your chocolate in a double boiler; set aside.

Next, you need to puree the tofu until it is smooth. Now, you can use your food processor for this, but I used my stand mixer with the whip attachment and I'm pretty sure you could use any kind of mixer you like. When the tofu is nice and smooth, add the melted chocolate and mix until the tofu and chocolate are blended very well.

Here's when you can add any kind of flavoring you like: vanilla extract, almond extract, peppermint extract, instant espresso powder, it's all up to you! Divide the mousse into 6 individual serving dishes and set in the refrigerator for a few hours. Garnish with nuts, fruits, a little whipped cream, make it fun and enjoy!