CHOCOLATE, PEANUT BUTTER MOUSSE / GLUTEN & DAIRY FREE

I have slowly been weaning myself off sugar since the holidays. I have found that things go a lot nicer around our home if I do this slowly. I am happier and Mr. W doesn't have to doubt why he asked a crazy lady to marry him. For those of you who have never ditched sugar cold turkey, I do not recommend it. Actually I do recommend it because the way you feel after the sweats, raging moods and psychotic swings in personality are totally worth it.
Anyway, I digress, back to the mousse. Sometimes, even if you have already beat the sugar monster, you need a little treat. And this is it. No refined sugar, raw, better for you then most, chocolate peanut butter mousse. Your non-food sensitive friends will love it and its great for bribing Mums and Sisters too.

You will need:

For the Mousse:

1 Cup raw cashews

8 Pitted Medjool dates

1/4 Cup melted coconut oil

3/4 Cup purified water

6 Tablespoons raw cacao powder

2 Tablespoons natural peanut butter
1/4 Teaspoon himalayan sea salt

1 Teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Ganache:

1/2 Cup real maple syrup

6 Tablespoons raw cacao powder

2 Tablespoons melted coconut oil

Shaved coconut, cacao nibs or fruit to garnish

The hardest part of this recipe is letting the cashews and dates soak for 5 hours in purified water (or overnight in the fridge). I say this is the hardest because as they sit on your counter waiting, waiting, all you will be able to think about is how this mousse is so close yet so far.

Next, drain the cashews and dates and add to a blender. Add all of the other ingredients for the mousse and blend until smooth. Slowly add a few more tablespoons of water if the mixture seems to be too thick.

Pour the mousse into serving cups so that they are 3/4 full and set aside in the fridge.

Wash out your blender. Add all the ingredients for the ganache and blend until silky smooth. Pour a thin layer onto each mousse cup.

I prefer to let the mousse sit for a few hours in the fridge (or overnight) but if the excitement is too much, go ahead and dig in.