Spiced Chocolate Mousse

Their first meeting in 1923 was the stuff of legend:  She wore a black satin mask on a bridge in Berlin and recited his own poetry to him.

Photo Credit: Thomas Doyle via BrainPickings.org

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From that moment on, the young writer Vladimir Nabokov felt that Vera Slonim was destined to share his life.  In one of the passionate letters of their courtship, he wrote, “It's as if in your soul there is a prepared spot for every one of my thoughts.”

For the next fifty-four years, he was nearly inseparable from the brilliant, elegant, and self-effacing woman who became Mrs. Nebokov.  It was she who dedicated her life to bolstering her husband's genius and even carried a handgun in her purse to protect him from assassination at public appearances.    ~ An excerpt from The Who, the What, and the When: 65 Artists Illustrate the Secret Sidekicks of History 

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I sat in the bookstore this week, hopelessly lost in the stories.  What beautiful tributes to the wives, mothers, husbands, neighbors, accomplices, and other little-known champions behind some of history's icons, those who've had a hand in shaping our world.

Photo Credit: Thomas Doyle via BrainPickings.org

A few of my favorites include Andy Warhol's Mom, Amelia Earhart's husband, George Washington's dentist, Alfred Hitchcock's wife, and Charles Darwin's colleague.  Though I couldn't help but smile a little bit extra when I read about ..

Emily Dickinson's dog, Carlo

This Newfoundland was given to her by her father when she was only nineteen.  He slept at her feet, for sixteen faithful years, as she penned some of the most exquisite poetry the world has ever known.

“When you consider your own life, there are dozens of people who've guided you along your path, whether a teacher from fifth grade who finally got you to raise your hand in class, a family friend who gave you your first camera, or that whiskey-sipping neighbor who'd tell you stories of his childhood. “    ~ An excerpt from the book's introduction

This week I was able to return a small bit of kindness one of those that have shaped mine.  My wonderful husband, who's changed my life for the better, in more ways than I can count.

The man who edits my posts after I've been writing late into the night, who never complains about the (over) use of small household appliances, kitties that walk over him in the middle of the night, or large grocery budgets.  A man with solid advice at the ready, and an incredible sense of humor.

On the mend this wee, after a bit of surgery.  It's been a wonderful excuse for us both to slow down, and let me care for him

Chocolate Mousse has been in the fridge this week.  Lovely comfort food for snacking, or the foolproof finale to any meal

This simple, yet sophisticated, airy yet intense concoction has been a hit with cooks at least since the New York Time published its first recipe for the dessert in 1955.  After that, it seemed every hostess was beating egg whites to perfection, folding them into melted chocolate, and chilling the mix for dinner parties.

Over the past few months, I've made a couple of healthier versions that are very much worth sharing.  Both are no-cook and essentially effortless to make.  Indulgent, but at the same time not too rich or sugary sweet.

One version made with hemp seeds, avocado, and banana for a smooth texture, cayenne and ground ginger adding an interesting complement to the cacao powder.  We were hesitant, but the combo really does work.  The second is a bit more traditional when compared to similar paleo recipes out there, using coconut milk, chia seeds, and dates.

You'll want to prep them a few hours ahead of time because they're best served chilled.  Lots of toppings that work well, especially shaved chocolate, coconut flakes, or fruit.

Enjoy!

xoxo

ps:  You can read more about The Who, the What, and the When: 65 Artists Illustrate the Secret Sidekicks of History

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~ Adapted from Design Sponge

~ Adapted from Cotter Crunch