METRO — Being mindful of one’s diet is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Certain foods, and particularly many desserts, are not exactly synonymous with healthy eating. Thankfully, many chefs and home cooks experiment with different ingredients to make sweets a little bit less indulgent. Take for example, chocolate mousse, which can be delicious, but a tad heavy when loaded with dairy. However, “Vegan Chocolate Mousse” is made with avocado at the base. That’s notable because avocado contains heart-healthy fats that make the dessert a little better for you than more traditional alternatives.

Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of “Les Dames d’Escoffier New York Cookbook: Stirring the Pot” (American Palate) by Silvia Baldini and Sharon Franke.

Vegan Chocolate Mousse

Makes 4 servings

2 large ripe avocados

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

6 to 8 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons non-dairy milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

1/2 cup fresh berries, for topping

1/4 cup walnuts, crushed, for topping

Directions: Add avocado, unsweetened cocoa, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, vanilla and salt to a food processor and puree until creamy. Divide mousse into 4 cups; top with fresh berries and crushed nuts.