Carob-Chia Mouse

Serves: 6 - 8 people.

Prep time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

Mouse:

·         250ml Aquafaba (liquid from roughly 2 cans of chickpeas)

·         200g Carob powder (or Cocoa powder)

·         80g Soaked figs or dates

·         3 Ripe bananas

·         3 tbsp Coconut oil (melted)

·         3 tbsp Chia seeds

Fruit puree:

·         Choose between 200ml fresh orange juice or 200g berry of choice

·         3 tbsp Coconut oil

·         100g Cashews (soaked overnight or for at least 4 hours)

·         Fruit of choice to decorate

Method

1.      In a food processor, blend the soaked figs or dates with a little water to create a paste.

2.      Take a couple of tablespoons of the paste out of the blender and set aside. Then add the carob powder and bananas to the blender with the

3.      In a large glass bowl, beat the liquid of the chickpeas using an electric whisk. Whisk until peaks form and a silky meringue is created.

4.      Boil some water in the a pan and create a bain marie with the chickpea meringue on top.

5.      Keep on a low heat and add the banana mix and coconut oil. Fold in and gently mix for 15-20 minutes.

6.      Add chia seeds then mix in well. Heat for a further 5 minutes before transferring the mouse into small ramekins. Place in the fridge to set.

7.      Meanwhile, make fruit puree by blending orange juice or berries with coconut oil and cashews. If using berries you may need to add a little water to help it blend smoothly.

8.      Add puree on top of each mouse and place back into the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

9.      Decorate with fresh fruit before serving.