A few weeks ago, I had a dinner party and had a myriad of dietary restrictions to contend with when planning the menu. Gluten Free, Gluten Conscious, Low Fat, Vegan and Meat eaters. Now some cooks may become daunted at these issues when trying to cook for 10 people but I took it in stride as a personal challenge. As a caterer and chef for many years I was used to special requests, so I just started thinking of dishes that I could prep ahead of time and grill since we all wanted to be outside. I finally came up with a Mexican Grill theme that fit the bill for everyone. Fast, fresh and flavorful, Mexican flavors could satisfy all dietary concerns- Here was the menu:
Appetizers:
Warm Tortilla and Sweet Potato Chips and a couple of Fresh Salsas
Raw Vegetables and Jalapeno Hummus
Northern Waters Smokehaus Smoked Salmon with GF crackers and cucumbers with Cheeses and Summer Sausage
Dinner Buffet
A Green salad with Jicama, Orange and a Passion Fruit Seed Dressing
Grilled Eggplant, marinated and sprinkled with fresh chopped mint
Grilled Onions and Peppers
Garlic Sauteed Shrimp with Fresh Herbs and Telicherry Black Pepper
Orange and Pepper Marinated Grass Fed Steaks, Sliced for Fajitas
Margarita Grilled Chicken
Tri Colored Quinoa and Brown Rice with Mexican Flavors, Black Beans and Corn
Hemp Tortillas, Blue Corn Tortillas
Dessert:
Avocado Chocolate Mousse with Fresh Raspberries
It was a night to remember! My favorite dish was the Avocado Chocolate Mousse. It was not only vegan but also fit in the raw food category too, a new style of cooking I am hearing more about each day. Here is the recipe for the Avocado Mousse, you have to try it, I loved it and will make it again!
Avocados ready for the mix…
Add the Chocolate
I used Sweet Earth Cocoa I bought during my last trip to California, it’s the good stuff!
Add the orange, flavorings and sweetness
And what comes out is a creamy dark chocolate mousse that will fool everyone!
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
To Print the Recipe Click Here
Serves 10
Can be made a couple of days ahead.
5 Avocados, peeled and diced
1 cup of good quality cocoa powder
Agave Syrup to taste (about a half of cup) or Honey of you prefer
1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of one orange
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pint of Raspberries for Garnish
In a food processor puree avocados, cocoa powder and sweetness of choice. Add vanilla extract, orange and salt.
Place in container in Fridge until ready to serve. Scoop into pretty glasses and garnish with raspberries. Then play the guessing game with your guests of “Guess what the dessert is made of” Unless you give them hints, they will NEVER guess. Trust me.
Enjoy!
