516. Chocolate date mousse

It’s an Honour

   Last Saturday was an exciting day for me. I was installed as the 19th President of my very hardworking and active Club, Lions Club of Mombasa Bahari. Since the Club was chartered, I have been a part of it. First as a spouse and then as a Lion. The best part was that one of my good friend Lion Tasneem Dar, performed the ceremony of installing me along with my board members. My best friend Daxa and Jitu were there to share the milestone in my life along with my brother in law and sister in law. The surprise moment was when my hubby Ajay, sang a song for me. I was feeling shy, happy and loved all at the same time. Was I nervous? Yes, had butterflies in my stomach the whole afternoon. Its a big responsibility to run such a fine Club, but then we have wonderful members, helpful and active. Right from medical to educational to donations, some activity or the other takes places practically every month. The Club climbs to greater heights under each President. For my year too I am hoping to achieve a lot more to take the Club one rung higher on the ladder of service to Humanity. So this year you will probably get to hear a lot more about my Club and the activities. 
    For such a special occasion it had to be celebrated with something sweet. I made a simple but absolutely delicious chocolate date mousse at home. Thank you Aarthi of Yummy Tummy for the recipe.I made just a few changes, added more chocolate and flavouring. Hope you enjoy this dessert. It’s eggless and the only sugar that is present in it is from the chocolate. None is added to it. The month of Ramadhan meant that we got really nice sweet dates. 

CHOCOLATE DATE MOUSSE
Serves 8
Recipe source: Yummy Tummy

250g chocolate (both dark and milk)- the total weight of both should be 250g
200g dates (approx 22-24) – pitted
½ cup fresh milk
2 cups whipping cream (chilled)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cardamom powder

For topping :
fresh fruits or grated chocolate or chopped nuts

1. Heat the milk in a pan over medium heat.
2. Pit the dates and add to the hot milk.
3. Cover and let the dates soak in the milk for 1-2 hours.
4. Process the dates in a food processor to a puree or paste.
5. Melt the chocolate. Heat water in a small pan. Put the chocolate in a glass or steel bowl that sits well on the pan. Stir constantly till the chocolate melts.
6. Add the date paste to the melted chocolate. Add vanilla extract and cardamom powder. 
7. Mix well.
8. Whip the cream till it reaches the soft peak consistency or till its fluffy.
9. Add the cream to the cooled down chocolate and date mixture. Fold in the cream gently.
10. Spoon the mousse into individual serving bowls or containers.
11. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 3 – 4 hours or till it sets.
12. Serve with any of your favourite toppings or on its own.

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