Stirring the Pot: Secret Ingredient Valentine's Day Dessert

Hint: It's Both Delicious and Nutritious

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Hi everyone!

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and it’s the perfect excuse to go all out with your dinner plans. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or a special someone, one thing is always a hit: chocolate. And if you're looking to serve a delicious dessert while still sticking to your health goals, this sweet treat is for you! It’s a decadent end to the meal that’s secretly loaded with nutrient-packed, powerhouse ingredients.

In our home, we call it “magic” chocolate mousse. It’s a rich, ultra-smooth, naturally sweet chocolate mousse that’s actually good for you. The secret? Ripe bananas for natural sweetness and ripe avocados for that irresistible creamy texture.

Give it a try and let me know what you think. Better yet, post a photo and tag me @geoffreyzakarian.

Magic Chocolate Mousse

Photo Credit: Food Network

INGREDIENTS

Serves 4

  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced

  • 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced 

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 

  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup 

  • Fresh raspberries, for garnish 

  • Freshly cracked pink peppercorns, for garnish 

  • Pinch of Kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Place the bananas, avocados, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and pinch of salt in a blender or food processor. Process on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.

  2. Divide among 4 glass jars or preferred serving vessel and refrigerate until set, 30 minutes to 1 hour or up to overnight.

  3. Top with the fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of pink peppercorns and serve.

Pro Tips

  • Choose bananas that are overly ripe; this is where the mousse gets the majority of its sweetness.

  • Make these a day ahead if you can. They firm up nicely in the refrigerator and actually get slightly sweeter over time.

  • Use Dutch-process cocoa powder if you can find it. It’s smoother in flavor and darker in color. Here’s a great article that explains the difference between natural cocoa powder and Dutch-process.

Equipment Used

  • High-powered blender or food processor

  • Silicone spatula

  • Glass jars or dessert coupes

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Sips of Spring

Wine: Big Deal Alert

February 12-19, 2025

Geoffrey is going live on QVC starting February 12 to kick off his biggest wine promotion of the year. He’s curated 12 outstanding wines—reds, whites, and sparkling—all selected for their exceptional quality and superb food pairing ability. Get ready for spring soirées and choose either all red, all white, or a mix. This exclusive 12-bottle collection gets delivered straight to your door, but don’t wait, his limited-time offer ends February 19.

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