Wednesday, March 24, 2010

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!
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35 comments:

Manggy said...

I think those who write out tofu without even trying the amazing things it can accomplish both in savories and desserts are missing out. But hey, I grew up on the stuff, being Asian and all :) I love what you've done here - chocolate is, dare I say it, a natural pair for tofu. Looks so deep and decadent!

lishapisa said...

one word " Genius "

JuLo said...

Silken tofu really is a great and versatile thing! I would say this sounds iffy, but your pictures look like perfect and delicious chocolate mousse! Yum! I will definitely have to try this. I'm surprised there's no sugar!

thecoffeesnob said...

I get that look all the time! I never never have thought of using tofu in dessert but I can completely see how it would work with a strong flavour. Gorgeous photos, by the way!

Melanie said...

I'm not going to lie - the tofu-in-dessert-form scares me but your description has me sold, especially if it can cut out some fat and calories. And I'd be crazy if I didn't want to focus just on the deep chocolate flavor!

Lucie said...

I've had tofu chocolate mousse once and loved it! It's a great way to add protein and take away some calories in dessert form and honestly, who can say no to that?

Susan said...

Wow, simple and delicious looking! I will have to try this!

kirbie said...

What a creative use for tofu. I'm excited to try this out. It's so much healthier too than using all that whipping cream.

Unknown said...

I have tried to make a mango tofu mousse in the past and the flavour was yummy but the texture wasn't quite to me liking. I suspect that was because we don't get silken tofu here. The kids didn't complain they loved it.

Lori said...

THis is one of those desserts that I have been meaning to make.

aurorafedora said...

oh, this is calling to me...here i come baby!!!! will have to try this SOON! joanne

grace said...

i've never knowingly eaten tofu in a dessert (who knows if it's been snuck in once or twice by a wily cook), but your pictures and description are enough to convince me that it must be delicious. wonderful creation, lyb!

LyB said...

Mark: I was certainly missing out! I have a lot of catching up to do, so many recipes to try and so little time!

lishapisa: It is genius! I just wish it was my idea... ;)

JuLo: It is versatile, I want to try a dip with it next. Yum!

thecoffeesnob: It works great with the chocolate,and thank you for the compliment!

Melanie: You can't taste the tofu at all, I promise, just the chocolate!

Lucie: I know! Plus, it's easy, bonus!

Susan: I hope you do try it, it's delicious!

kirbie: It is healthier, but still dessert though! ;)

WizzyTheStick: I want to try with white chocolate and fruit puree, wouldn't that be great?

Lori: Do it! 3 ingredients, how can you go wrong? ;)

aurorafedora: I hope you try it!

grace: Thanks so much! I was a bit skeptical too at first, but not anymore!

And to "Anonymous", thank you so very, very much for taking the time to leave a comment. Perhaps next time you'll be brave enough to leave your real name.

Cathy said...

You know, I've never tried tofu. I feel like a troglodyte! But this really looks wonderful and I'm so intrigued - I have to try it. I've heard often, and you've confirmed it, that tofu just absorbs the flavor of whatever is with it, and its texture seems like it's just perfect for mousse! You've convinced me; I'm going to go for it! Beautiful photos!

LyB said...

Thanks so much, Cathy! I was intrigued for a while too before I actually decided to try this. But it was worth the wait! :)

pumpkinpie said...

I love this recipe. Try adding peanut butter!

Karen said...

I don't admit to liking tofu to that many people, for that very reason. I find you can't usually talk someone into liking it, they have to just try it.
Your photos are just gorgeous!

Katie @ Cozydelicious said...

I've been trying to find tofu recipes that will turn my husband into a believer. This looks like a winner! Yum!

suzanne cabrera said...

Who'd thunk?!? Wow...this looks amazing and delicious. I MUST TRY!

Unknown said...

Very amazing site. I love the post! I would ask transporte de carro to receive the stuff. I love the desserts! Thanks for posting.

Cookie baker Lynn said...

It looks amazingly smooth and alluringly chocolatey.

Happy Easter!

michelle @ TNS said...

i can only deal with tofu when it's fried and covered in kung pao sauce, but then i've never tried the silken kind in desserts though i've heard great things.

lovely photography, btw.

Anonymous said...

Amazing! I must try this, I'm an avid tofu fan, and who doesn't like chocolate!

Cooking Art said...

I knew it that must be something when tofu is tasty and has flavour....definitely I will try it! :)

lynne said...

i just tried out this recipe, and it's great! all i tasted was chocolate. mmm perfect combination! and really, a versatile recipe. i added chocolate rice crips to the bottom and it turned out great. thanks for sharing this!

Anonymous said...

you can also make something similar with avocado if you cannot have soy. i have used cocoa powder, not melted chocolate, though, not sure if the texture would be different. sweeten with honey/agave nectar/dates.

oak dining room tables said...

This would really be lovely when it is hot! This really looks so delicious. I can't wait to try this one.

CarinE said...

Can't wait to try this! Can I put cocoa powder and icing sugar instead of melting chocolates? (cause they're expensive!hahaha)

Unknown said...

Love it.. this is not a new recipe I knew about this form a cooking light magazine more than 15 years ago!!!!

caroline said...

this tastes great, but mine did not have a mousse-like texture at all. Could it be because I drained off the liquid from the tofu (there wasn't much, but maybe it made a difference)?

Jen said...

I am making this for the third time in as many weeks it is soo yummy and probably the easiest desert I have ever made.

sm said...

I have had this dessert and it is awesome!! It is my new guilty pleasure!!

Unknown said...

Will this recipe work without chocolate chips? Will it work with just the cocoa powder and add sweetener as necessary? ps...i made it and used unsweetened cocoa powder and xylitol and it was FABULOUS!! still used the semi-sweet choc chips tho, so would like to do away with those if it doesn't compromise the flavor/texture! would love your opinion!!!

LyB said...

Hi! I wouldn't know if this would work without chocolate because I've never tried it. I don't think so, as the chocolate probably helps everything set up properly. Sorry I can't be of more help. Do let us know if you try it anyway!

Anonymous said...

Hi, this looks great. I wonder whether you could fold some stiff egg whites into it in the end to lighten/fluff it up a bit? It looks incredibly dense... Has anyone tried it?