(Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, and Refined Sugar-free)

Is your romance on repeat? Try the unexpected. How about a little cayenne pepper in your dark chocolate mousse? In this recipe I've used Soyatoo whipped soy topping. Ever since I first sampled this brilliant feat of culinary chemistry last spring at EXPO West, the largest Natural Products expo in the U.S., I've been waiting with bated breath for its arrival in stores. And to my utter delight, it arrived on the shelves at my local Whole Foods this month! Hurrah for all vegans, dairy-allergic, lactose intolerant, kosher people, cholesterol avoiders, and those watching their waistline. At last, an organic low-fat substitute for whipped cream! With only 10 calories per serving, and all organic ingredients, dessert just got a whole lot sweeter! Also note my use of Scharffen Berger chocolate and cocoa powder, unquestionably the best baking chocolate in the U.S. It is also nut-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

8 oz Semisweet Scharffen Berger Chocolate (4 squares)
2 Tbsp. Unsweetened Scharffen Berger Cocoa Powder
1/2 cup soy milk
2 Tbsp. brewed espresso (or any dark coffee, decaf is fine)
1 Tbsp. bourbon, rum, or brandy
1/4-1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (depending on preference)
1 tsp. cinnamon
4 cups Soyatoo whipped soy topping (or 4 cups whipped cream -- 2 cups whipping/heavy cream makes 4 cups whipped)
1/2 pint blackberries
chocolate shavings (optional)

Chop chocolate into pieces the size of an almond or smaller. Combine with cocoa powder, soy milk, and espresso in a heavy pan over low heat. Melt, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Do not overheat, chocolate burns easily! Remove from heat, add bourbon, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon, whisking in completely. Let cool to room temperature. Gently fold in 2 cups of the Soyatoo, then add the last two. Divide between custard cups, wine glasses, ramekins, or whatever tickles your fancy. Chill in refrigerator 1 hour to set. Remove and top with blackberries. For added panache, take a potato peeler and use the last square of the Scharffen Berger bar to make chocolate shavings. Makes 4 servings.

From Recipes for Love