Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!
One of my philosophies regarding Valentine’s Day is: whether you are in a relationship or whether you are single, take advantage of this day of love to do something special.
I don’t mean to necessarily have a grandiose 6 course dinner with your loved one or binge on ice cream if you are single…
If you are in a relationship, why not take this occasion to write each other a beautiful card? Maybe cook a nice meal together with all your favorite foods. You could try and replicate your first date together and reminisce how much you both have evolved and grown as individuals and as a couple. I truly don’t think that Valentine’s Day should be the only occasion you take time to tell your partner that you love them, but I do fall in the camp of people who think that it’s still a lovely day to tell your better half how you feel about them and to organize a little something memorable.
On the other hand, if you are not in a relationship, view Valentine’s Day as the perfect day to practice self-love and self-care. Start your day with a gratitude list, take time to go outside, admire the beauty around you, maybe make yourself your favorite meal, light some candles and blast some music from your favorite artist – I think Sabrina Claudio would be PER-FECT for a solo Vday celebration!
In any case, whether you are in a relationship or single, I think Valentine’s Day is also the ideal occasion to indulge in some chocolate… And I am not just talking any chocolate…
I am talking a next level-type chocolate dessert: Coconut Panna Cotta with Chocolate Mousse & Hazelnut Crunch.
We are talking layers of textures and flavours, all with ZERO guilt. Not only should you never experience guilt on Valentine’s Day but also, these little parfaits are entirely made with whole foods and are sweetened with dates! Yes dates, not white sugar, not milk chocolate. Plain, simple, juicy dates.
So what else exactly is in these parfaits?
Quite simple:
LAYER #1: Coconut panna cotta:
- Coconut milk, for its rich and creamy texture
- Dates, for their natural sweetness
- Agar powder, which is a natural vegetable substitute for gelatine
LAYER #2: Hazelnut & chocolate crunch:
- All recipes in my opinion should have a crunchy element and for this specific recipe, because we are going all decadent and a little fancy, hazelnuts were just the perfect touch – paired with the chocolate, you just feel like you’re eating some elevated Ferrero Rocher!
LAYER #3: Creamy, decadent chocolate mousse:
- Made with silken tofu, cacao powder, dates, a pinch of salt and instant coffee to really bring to life that chocolate flavour.
These Coconut Panna Cotta with Chocolate Mousse & Hazelnut Crunch are truly little cups of goodness! I mean who does not love layered desserts that are not only healthy for you but also combine chocolate AND coconut AND hazelnuts?!
If you guys do end up making these parfaits (which I really hope you do!), I’d love it if you shared your thoughts on Instagram by tagging me (@muriellebanackissa).
Discover more chocolatey desserts: