On this Memorial Day, I would like to take a moment to thank all the veterans who have sacrificed their lives so that we might have freedom of religion, press, speech, the right to vote, the right to assemble, and so much more.
Today is my youngest son’s birthday – he’s turning ten! I can’t believe it. My baby is a decade year old. Where has the time gone? It seems just yesterday, we were celebrating his 3rd birthday. Anyone who knows my little guy knows that he is a spunky boy with a strong will and creative mind. He’s also a pretty tough little kid, after all, he has three older brothers who are a lot older than he is.
A family tradition that we have always had in our house is the birthday boy’s dinner. On each of my boys’ birthdays, I always make whatever they request. A year ago, on his birthday, my little guy asked me to make the near impossible – a gluten-free, dairy-free, tomato-free calzone. You might wonder how I did that. Let’s just say it was the most challenging recipe I have ever had to figure out. You see, one year ago, my son was on a food elimination diet for 6 months. He was sick and in pain, and after numerous tests, discovered he was allergic to 20+ foods.
I remember slaving away in the the kitchen the entire day, making gluten-free bread for the calzone wrapping, and concocting a dairy-free ricotta cheese and tomato-free tomato sauce (yes it is possible to make “tomato sauce” without any tomatoes). When you have a child with food allergies, you want your child to feel as normal as possible, so any mom who has a child with food allergies can relate to what I went through. I did whatever it took to put that smile on my son’s face for his birthday. And it was so worth it. To this day, my son recalls that day one year ago where I worked like a mad scientist making his birthday calzone for dinner.
Fortunately, today, my son can now tolerate almost all foods, with the exception of wheat. Although he has a mild allergy to dairy and eggs, he is fine most of the time if he consumes these foods in moderation.
So, for my son’s birthday breakfast this year, I am serving him Chocolate Mousse – yes, that’s right, Chocolate Mousse. This mousse can actually be served as a healthy breakfast or as a healthy snack. I found this recipe on The More Than Occasional Baker.
Today is “reveal day” for Group D of the Secret Recipe Club, created by Amanda of Amanda’s Cookin, and now run and hosted by April of Angel’s Homestead. So far, everything I’ve tried for the Secret Recipe Club has come out really well, and I’ve had the opportunity to delve deeper into some blogs more intimately and get to know the person behind the blog. This club has grown so rapidly that Amanda has created four different groups that have a different reveal day during each month. The idea behind the Secret Recipe Club is to give bloggers the chance to try each other’s recipes without the other bloggers knowing it until everyone posts their results.
This month, I was assigned to Ros, the Baking Addict from The More Than Occasional Baker. As the name of her blog depicts, Ros is obsessed with baking. In her own words, “I’ve discovered a new passion in life – baking! It’s really fun trying new recipes and perfecting old ones. Always looking for the next baking challenge. This blog is about documenting part of that journey.” Although almost all the recipes on Baking Addict’s blog are baked sweets, I was instantly intrigued when I came across this Chocolate Mousse recipe on her site. I’m not a huge baker, but I’m always looking for healthier dessert ideas, so this Chocolate Mousse recipe fit the bill. Made simply with tofu, bananas, cocoa and honey, I knew this could make a fun breakfast treat.
Some of the other treats on Ros’s blog that caught my eye included her Mini Cornbreads with Tomatoes, Pineapple Garnishes for her Hummingbird Cupcakes, and High Hat Marshmallow Cupcakes (I almost thought of trying this fluffy frosting out on my son’s birthday cake). Please stop by and check out The More Than Occasional Baker.
Give this Chocolate Mousse a try – I guarantee you that when you serve this to your child for breakfast, they will eat it and lick the spoon clean.
Easy Chocolate Mousse Recipe (dairy-free) – Secret Recipe Club
Ingredients
- 1 box soft tofu
- 2 bananas
- 6 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon powdered coffee I used Starbucks VIA
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
- 4 tablespoons honey
- a few dashes of ground cinnamon
- fresh berries of your choice for garnish
- shredded coconut flakes for garnish
Instructions
-
Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Spoon into serving dishes and chill until set.
-
Garnish with fresh berries and shredded coconut flakes.
Recipe Notes
Adapted from The More Than Occasional Baker and Tinned Tomatoes.
AnneJisca says
Mmmm, sounds soooo yummy!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
I hope your son has a wonderful birthday! The mousse looks fantastic. If only I didn’t have a bad banana allergy! I’m intrigued by making tomato sauce without tomatoes although I’m not allergic to them. It just sounds interesting!
Bakingaddict says
I’m so glad you picked this recipe as I loved it the moment I tried now and it’s now a firm family favourite. I had been thinkng about adding coffee so will give it a try. I love your version and it looks so elegant with the fruit and coconut. Thank you for all your kind words *blush* good luck with the top foodie mum contest! 🙂
Nicole @ The Daily Dish says
I’ve been voting for you every day Jeanette. Want you to win!
Your pictures made me want to lick the screen. These look SO good – I love the berries on top – I want this now. 🙂
Great pick!
Dorothy at Shockinglydelicious says
How ingenious! Happy birthday to your son! (visiting from Group D)
Jenni says
Wow, this mousse looks great! I love that it is healthy, too! I am also very glad that your son can now tolerate most foods, how horrible that must have been for the little guy!! Happy Birthday to him!
Julie Yao Cooper says
Happy Birthday, Alex! Would love that recipe for gluten free, tomato free, dairy free calzone! Sounds incredibly creative and on point for our household 🙂
Jennifer | Mother Thyme says
Popping in to say Hi from Group C! 🙂 This mousse looks so light and creamy. A perfect sweet treat to enjoy on a warm summer day. Fabulous choice for SRC!
Melissa says
How delicious (and what beautiful photography)! I wish my mom let me have chocolate mousse for breakfast growing up…the perks of having a blogger mom!! Happy birthday to your son! 🙂
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life says
You are an awesome mom to put so much time into your son’s birthday so he can enjoy like any other!!! This mousse looks great. I would never have guessed that it was made with tofu. It is so pretty to look at too!!!
Shari brooks says
Yum yum cant. Cant wait to make this for summer! Fellow group D member.
Carrie @ Bakeaholic Mama says
This Mousse is stunning! Great photos and an awesome SRC post!
Caroline @ chocolate & carrots says
I love using tofu as a mousse ingredient! I’ve made a peanut butter mousse and it was incredible! This looks fabulous! 😀
Veronika says
Looks absolutely delicious. I can’t wait to try your recipe! Quick question on the ingredients – How much soft tofu is in a box?
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
I did this when I made Bittman’s recipe and it was so freakin’ good! Who knew tofu could be so tasty!
Joanne says
I can’t imagine watching your son struggle with food like that but if anyone was able to make him feel as “normal” as possible through inventive recipes, it’s you! This mousse sounds absolutely delectable! Happy birthday to your son!
Jeanette says
Thanks for your note Joanne. I think when your kid has food allergies, it just sparks something inside that helps you be more creative. You just want your kid to feel normal and enjoy what everyone is.
kristy @ gastronomical sovereignty says
i keep meaning to make a dessert out of tofu – maybe this should be the one. i always get a little freaked out by tofu (soybeans are one of the MOST genetically engineered franken-crops in the world) – but if I buy organic I think we’re good because they can’t be modified. at least, not in Canada. Thank you for the inspiration!
happy SRC reveal!
Mary says
Thanks for this fabulous recipe! this is going to come in very handy – i’ve bookmarked it – so great not to have all that fat!
mary x
amy @ fearless homemaker says
oh wow, this looks amazing + I love that it’s egg-free + dairy-free – i have a bunch of friends with food allergies who will really appreciate this recipe! + your photos are AMAZING!
Minnie(@thelady8home) says
Wow! This looks mindbogglingly delicious! I know my son is going to lick that off till the last drop. Amazing recipe and drool worthy photos.
I love your blog.
Kelly @ Inspired Edibles says
Your little guy is absolutely adorable! (and so lucky to have a conscious living mom like you). Love the idea of having a dairy free, egg free mousse in my repertoire and this one looks simply delicious (I especially like the photo of the empty glass ;-)). Just squeaked in a last vote for you! Good luck Jeanette. You absolutely deserve this.
dena says
Visiting from group D. I’ve made dairy-free pudding with soymilk, but never with tofu … will definitely have to try it!
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective says
Jeanette, this is gorgeous and healthy. I can’t wait to try it!
Megan says
I have made a very similar banana chocolate smoothie before— just not with the tofu. But that sounds wonderful!
Asiya says
Wow!! That is so simple and looks delicious…great SRC pick!
France @ Beyond The Peel says
How delightful. A mousse so good for you, one could have it for breakfast. I just might have to do that!
Kelsey @ K&K Test Kitchen says
I just love that you are telling me I can have chocolate mousse for breakfast!
And I hope your son had a wonderful birthday!
Kristi Rimkus says
Wonderful dessert – the berries make such a nice presentation. Happy birthday to your son, and congratulations on your award!
madge | the vegetarian casserole queen says
This mousse sounds great! I love any excuse to use tofu so I’ll be bookmarking this one.
Happy birthday to your son!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Happy Birthday to your boy, so glad he’s in a better place health wise this year.
Blond Duck says
Do you think it would work with PB or Vanilla? I’m allergic to chocolate and would love to eat this!
Jeanette says
I would give it a whirl with PB and vanilla – would love to hear how it turns out. Also, if you can have carob, perhaps try that as a substitute for cocoa.
Kirstin says
YUM! Sounds great
Rituparna says
Oh I remember making this recipe from Tinned Tomatoes as well. It is so delicious & healthy, it can actually be had for breakfast. What fun !
The Healthy Apple says
This looks incredible; happy birthday to your boy!!! Congrats on your award too!
Have a great weekend!
Kelley @ The Culinary Enthusiast says
Chocolate for breakfast? Yes please!
Russell at Chasing Delicious says
Yum! I am loving this mousse and how simple it is.
juniakk @ mis pensamientos says
gasp, i would love to see your recipe for that calzone you made! i’m so impressed. awwww i love how you do everything just to make your little guy feel normal and enjoy good food! i love it! and the chocolate mousse, YUM!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
Hello and nice to meet you through the SRC! I too am in group D.
Your tofu chocolate mousse looks delicious and creamy. I’ve never used tofu before (call me chicken) but this recipe has me adding it to my grocery list.
I’m also wishing your son a b-lated happy birthday. I’m glad to hear he now has a better tolerance of most foods. You are a wonderful mom to take the time to cook especially for his needs and make him feel like everybody else.
Magic of Spice says
Happy Belated Birthday to your son…what a handsome young man! The mousse looks incredible and so silky!
angie says
my body wants this NOW! 😀
thank you for linking up on successful saturdays!
CulinarilyCourtney says
Mousse from tofu!!? That is such a great idea! I haven’t been able to eat dairy for several months because of stomach issues and I have had to get creative in the kitchen so that I could still enjoy creamy foods. I will definitely try this tip. Thank you 😀
Jeanette says
Dairy can really bother people’s stomachs, so this recipe would be the perfect way to enjoy something creamy without dairy. We have dairy intolerances in our family, so this was a nice way to enjoy a treat without dairy.
PJ says
Wow this looks so delicious.Would love to try it.
Jeanette says
PJ, my son loved this and what a treat for breakfast!
Kim F says
This looks amazing. I would like to use tofu in more recipes but struggle with what type of tofu to buy. Could you give a little more information about what type of tofu you used for this recipe? Is it the kind of tofu found in the refrigerator section? What size box did you use? Thanks so much.
Jeanette says
Thanks Kim – I used a container of soft tofu (that’s what label says) from the refrigerated section of our local Asian market. However, you can find similar containers in supermarkets in the produce section. It usually has a plastic film top and the actual container is white. I don’t know the weight, but the box is about 4″x6″.
Kim F says
Thank! I will give this a try for sure!
Katie @ Oh Shine On says
Sounds light and great — How well can you taste the bananas?
Jeanette says
You really can’t taste the bananas much at all – my 10-year old son loved it!
Mireya @myhealthyeatinghabits says
Hi Jeanette,
I’ve seen many tofu versions of chocolate mousse, but none with bananas . i’m sure you son loved it
Jeanette says
Mireya – the bananas make this naturally sweet and creamy. Hope you’re doing well!
Tom says
Hi Jeanette,
I am going to try this for a fund raiser. Can I substitute a flavored coffee, such as a ,Carme Macchiato, Coconut Macaroon, or just Hazelnut ?.
Thank You
Jeanette says
Tom – I think flavored coffee would be really nice with this, just make a strong batch for more flavor.
Tom Grippo says
Hi Jeanette,
I am going to try your Chocolate Mousse, question on the coffee, can a flavored coffee be added, Militta European Hazelnut, my other choices are ,Cocunut, Macaroon, Carmel, Macchiato. Other wise a European dark Roast by Militta .
Thank You.
Jeanette says
Tom – you should be able to substitute your favorite coffee. I would use a stronger flavored one if you want the coffee taste to come through.