Pink Berry Mousse
Everyone ready to dive into fall flavors? Or…not? For me, it’s yes-and-no. Something about "back-to-school" time seems to shift the palate like the flip of a switch. BUT, we still have some bright flecks of summer left, and I want to catch every one, if just to bask in the feeling of easygoing days. This sublime silken tofu mousse, infused with ORGANIC INDIA Hibiscus and Sweet Rose Tea Infusions, captures the exquisite delight of blossoms and sunshine. Made of just a few simple ingredients (tofu, berries, and a tea-monkfruit sugar syrup that you can modify, even eliminating the sugar altogether, and a little coconut cream/milk), it's so quick and easy to make yet has an elegance about it from those lovely floral notes.
To be honest, it’s not really the fading of summer that has me looking for ways to hang onto a little light and brightness. For one thing, it’s still blazing hot, even as the mornings show all the signs of cold weather coming…eventually. Mostly, it’s because this back-to-school shift has brought some heartache, as much as celebration. Chef F isn’t just back to school, in person, he’s back to school at a new school, with the raging pandemic still blazing in the background, only with the blnds half-closed. And for a highly introspective person, one who is on the older end of the class, bright, and capable, but quiet reserved, the combination is not easy, even with our most excellent teacher.
As for me, this shift we’re feeling—which isn’t just about school, but it also about F turning EIGHT, and identity, and so many things, has been difficult, too, butnot quite as expected. I’ve had the anticipated grief of moving out of that precious early childhood bubble, and I have missed my boy. But, I’ve also just been busy. It’s like the universe sent me a distraction from worrying in the form of lots of timely extra work. Not only that, but having a set window of opportunity to get to the work I already had has been like releasing a really compressed sleeping bag from its containment. The expansiveness is overwhelming, especially alongside a completely unrealisticself-set list of tasks I thought I could get done during the school day. Despite all that, I’ve made a big weekly chunk of time to enjoy, too, shifting my long run from busy Saturdays to quieter Friday mornings when I can take time over peaceful trails and open up more family time on the weekends. All of which means, sometimes it feels like maybe the hardest part for me is guilt that it hasn’t been too hard.
I guess this is all to say, emotions are big right now, and all over the place. Enough that I’m digressing into turning a recipe post into a long ramble again. But we’ll get there. In the meantime, I am going to revel in the uplifting, soft color, fragrance, and simplicity of this easy mousse. It doesn’t have to be spring or summer to make the most of it. Frozen berries will work just as well, year-round. And the way the floral essences lend a refined elegance to the natural, childhood delight of a classic pudding—it’s a cleanly nutritious treat we all love, perfect for a back-to-school snack or, pulling back on the monkfruit (or eliminating), even breakfast. Enjoy, friends! xo
Pink Berry Mousse
1 bag each of ORGANIC INDIA Hibiscus and Sweet Rose teas
½ Cup boiled water
½ Cup monkfruit sugar or other granulated sweetener
16 ounces silken tofu
½ Cup full fat coconut milk (firm top part only, or mixed liquid) or coconut cream
1 Cup fresh raspberries, strawberries, or a mix, plus additional for serving
Make a simple syrup: Add tea bags to ½ Cup boiled water in a small saucepan and let steep for several minutes. Give each tea bag a squeeze and remove. Bring tea back to a low boil. Stir in monkfruit sugar, or sugar of choice, until dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.
Transfer syrup to a high speed blender or food processor. Add tofu, coconut milk, and berries and blend for several minutes until achieving a smooth, mousse-like texture. Chill at least one hour before serving. Garnish with fresh berries and mint sprigs, if desired.
Enjoy!