mexican chocolate avocado mousse--aka "choco guaco"

First of all, I have to give Naomi at Straight Into Bed Cakefree and Dried major points for inspiration. She comes up with some grain-free and mind-blowingly innovative foodie ideas. This morning, I found myself dazed and intrigued by her idea of adding avocados to sweet, chocolate recipes.

It made total sense when I thought about it. Avocados are buttery, mild in flavor, and easily disguisable. And though I usually do a pretty epic job of convincing myself that butter isn't dairy OR fattening, sometimes I crave a lighter alternative.

This is a light, fluffy, Mexican-inspired chocolate mousse. I love the combination of sweet & smoky heat so I sprinkle mine with chili powder. Oh, and I promise, there's no detectable avocado. Just creamy goodness.

MEXICAN CHOCOLATE AVOCADO MOUSSE

1 large hass avocado

2 tbs cocoa powder

4 tbs powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 1/2 tbs almond (or any kind of) milk

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

2 egg whites

chili powder for garnish

With an electric beater or food processor, combine the first seven ingredients until smooth. (If you omit the cinnamon, this itself makes a great chocolate frosting.) In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff.

Add the chocolate mixture to the egg whites and mix by hand until combined. Chill, and sprinkle with the chili powder.