Sexy, Raw, Valentines Awesomeness!

Ahhh, Saint Valentines' Day, a true test to my staying raw when ALL I want is a box of chocolates to munch on! This year I decided to make a delicious, seductive raw dessert! Jennifer Cornbleet has a great cookbook, Raw Food Made Easy that had a recipe I would like to share with you guys! This delicious tart fulfilled all of my lovey dovey dessert needs, and it was so fast and easy to make! I'll admit, I was a little leery of using avocados in something that is supposed to be chocolatey, but it was SOOOOO good!




Chocolate Tart with Strawberries
Almond Crust:
2 1/4 c. ground raw almonds
3/4 c. pitted medjool dates, unsoaked
1/4 t. salt

Chocolate Mousse:
1/4 c. pitted medjool dates, soaked
1/2 t. vanilla extract
1/4 c. pure maple syrup or agave nectar
3/4 c. mashed ripe avocados (about 1 1/2 avocados)
1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa or carob powder
1/4 c. water

Topping:
1 lb. fresh strawberries

To make crust, place all ingredients in a food processor and mix with the S blade until the ingredients begin to stick together. Scoop the crust into a 9" pie plate or tart pan. Spread the crumbs evenly along the bottom of the pan and up the sides of the pan. There should be a 3/4 inch lip of crumbs along the sides. After crumbs are evenly distributed, press the crust down using your fingers. Place the crust in the freezer for 15 minutes.

To make the chocolate mousse filling, mix the dates, syrup, and vanilla in a food processor with the S blade until smooth. Add the avocado and cocoa powder and process until creamy, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl down. Add the water and process briefly.

Remove crust from the freezer and spread the chocolate mousse over the bottom of the pan. Remove the stems from the strawberries and slice them, then arrange atop the mousse. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Cover tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator, this tart will keep for three days.

*Note: this recipe yields a fairly crumbly crust. Mine did not come out in solid pieces, but an addition of more dates would likely remedy this if you prefer a sturdier crust.