We had a super quiet Thanksgiving, which was wonderful. It was just the 4 of us and I kept the meal very simple. Around 4 pm we sat down to a dinner of delicious turkey (roasted by my darling husband, a man of many talents), brussel sprouts with chestnuts, cranberry sauce and gravy.
We ate for about half an hour, then my husband and I did the dishes, while the children squabbled. After that we all played cards and I thought about how thankful I am to be with them. I’m not sure what I did to end up with 3 such phenomenal people. Each of them is incredibly fun, interesting, and genuinely kind. I am truly blessed on a daily basis. Even though I hadn’t planned to downsize our Thanksgiving consciously, I was happy that I ended up really simplifying the holiday this year, so that I could spend the day enjoying the blessings in my life.
After teaching me how to play hearts, my husband retired to his office to watch some football and the boys and I played rotating scrabble. I took turns being on each of their teams. Between scrabble turns my older son and I worked on making truffles (we are inherent multi-taskers), which accidentally turned into an unforeseen mousse.
When I mentioned this to my husband all he could say was –Sarah Palin. Those two words, “unforeseen” and “mousse” added up to only one thing in his politically overactive mind. He claimed that “Sarah Palin Mousse” would be a great name for this dish, though as you can see, I begged to differ and stuck with my own name for this super rich, easy to make Vegan Mocha Mousse.
As we all know, sometimes the best dishes aren’t the ones we intend to make.
Accidental Mocha Mousse
Ingredients
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup full fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon organic decaf coffee beans, espresso grind
- ¼ cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar or honey
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- In a medium pot, melt chocolate into coconut milk over very low heat
- Place ground coffee beans in a melita filter and pour ¼ cup hot water over them
- Stir coffee into chocolate mixture, discarding grounds
- Stir in agave, then vanilla and almond extracts
- Spoon mousse into half-cup ramekins
- Refrigerate 2-3 hours, until firm
- Serve
Equipment
My husband and I shared one of these little dishes of paleo vegan chocolate mousse for dessert. This mousse is very rich so be careful, don’t eat too much. In terms of substitutions, I imagine there are many different ways that you could make this. Feel free to let loose and experiment with your own flavors and alternative ingredients.
I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving! Now that it’s over, what dishes would you like to see during the upcoming month? Desserts? Salads? Entrees? Something else? Leave a comment with your request!
Here are some of my other paleo vegan dessert recipes:
Kay says
Sarah Palin Mousse – ha ha ha ha ha!
Sounds de-lish!
VeggieGirl says
Such a lovely Thanksgiving celebration you had!!
That is THE tastiest-looking accident I think I’ve ever seen – yum!!
Ruth says
Wow!! Can’t wait to try this one too.
As a full-time working Mom, I’m *always* looking for casserole type dishes, the kind I can make in advance, store in the freezer, thaw while I”m at work, and throw in the oven as soon as I get home!!
nickie says
That sounds wonderful, i will definately give it a try after my Sunday dinner tomorrow! If you could do a vegan entree for the holidays it would be greatly appreciated, your vegan recipes are always amazing and I need something at the table that feels extra special for the holidays!
thanks for all you do! Cheers!
Elana says
Nickie, here’s a link to my Vegan Recipes page for you:
https://elanaspantry.com/diets/vegan/
Enjoy!
Elana
donna says
that sounds yummy and i will surely make it..coconut ‘anything’ is my new passion, (especially the coconut flour- which i would love to see more recipes made with)…this time of year i am thinking of entertaining and small bites- tapas and hor’s doeuvres…munchee foods- that are healthy and light…thanks for any suggestions! i don’t post much but i do love the site!
Elana says
Donna, here’s a link to my Stuffed Mushroom recipe for you:
https://elanaspantry.com/mushroom-masters-herb-stuffed-mushrooms/
Enjoy!
Elana
Sara says
we are a denver waldorf family and LOVING your site. thank you! any tips on beautiful, healthful cooking utensils, pots/pans and eating/drinking dishes (plates, bowls, etc). we prefer a local search but are willing to go national to find things for our family…
Freedom says
This sounds amazing, I might just have to make it tomorrow with my left over coconut milk!
I for one would love to see some entrees. I love all the sweets and such that you post, but I am always on the lookout for a main dish!
Elana says
Freedom, here’s a link to my Entrees page:
https://elanaspantry.com/category/dinners/
Enjoy!
Elana
moi says
This recipe can surely be modified by you, an all “natural recipe connoisseur, but is delicious as is:
Date Milk Shake
(Makes 2 tall glasses)
Dates – 5 pits removed
Almonds – 10
Banana – 1
Cold Milk – 2 cups
Cardamom powder – 1 pinch (optional)
Directions
Soak the almonds overnight. In the morning peel the almonds. You can use the almonds with the skin too. Slice the banana. Blend together the dates, almonds, cardamom powder, banana, cold milk until a smooth consistency. If you find it to be too thick, add a little water.
Serve chilled.
Jessica says
Hi Elana – Wow – your post inspired a lot of thought.
I am pretty much an omnivore except that I haven’t eaten meat, except for for fish, in many years. I’m just now starting to introduce some grass-fed protein into my diet. So I’m not celiac or diabetic; however, your blog has helped make me a more well-rounded eater and cook. The recipes you offer are simple, luscious and affordable – you don’t need a huge quantity to feel satisfied.
This resonates when I consider the state of things right now.
A focus on simple but flavorful can help bring balance to our lives. It can ease the burden on our wallets and help us make healthier choices. Our economy and possibly our health may never be what it once was, but I think much good can come from our current situation. Maybe some things will actually get better.
Of course, seasonal ideas are always appreciated. I live in Northeast Ohio – in a place that gets a lot of lake-effect snow. I’m always looking for dishes that warm and replenish after being outside in the cold and snow. Soups and stews are our favorites.
Thank you, Elana for your contribution.
cdecocina says
Hi, this must be delicious. I had thought of melting chocolate in coconut milk, but now I think I will do it soon. I also have coconut cream, maybe this can be even better. Love this recipe, I dont know if I a variation with orange would be fine as well. I will keep you informed. Nice recipe, thanks!
Natalie says
Yes, coconut cream works best or chilled full fat coconut milk..I actually use organic cocoa and you don’t even have to melt it! Also, I make fudge!
Coconut butter, vanilla, cocoa, raw almond butter and honey! A splash of coconut milk and if you want a great chocolate dip for fruit, add more coconut milk. Guilt free delicious