Gingerbread Coconut Milk Mousse

And now to continue on in my obsession with any and all things ~gingerbread~! Sorry if this seems slightly redundant in my recipes, but gingerbread is just so delicious and has so many awesome health benefits that..why not make a ton of gingerbread stuff? So this particular recipe is inspired by a bunch of different "coconut milk whipped cream" or "coconut milk mousse" recipes that I've seen floating around the internet. That struck me as a very interesting idea, as coconut milk is as a whole wayyyy healthier than whipping cream (delicious as it is..in moderation) and I love the subtle and rich taste of coconut that is in the milk. This recipe turned out fabulously. It is just like making whipped cream, except the result is much more of a mousse- like consistency I would say, hence the name of this yummy dessert. Try this one out :)

~*~*~*UPDATE: If you like hot chocolate, throw a spoonful of this on top. Trust me~*~*~*

Gingerbread Coconut Milk Mousse

1 large can (not the tiny little cans you'll find) of coconut milk

Black strap molasses, to taste (I believe I used around 3-4 Tbs..I like things sweet!)

1 Tsp cinnamon

1 Tsp ground ginger

Directions:

1. Refridgerate the can of coconut milk for at least 12 hours. This should cause the water to separate and the solids of the milk to consolidate on top of the can.

2. Once ready, scoop the coconut milk solids out of the top of the can and into a medium mixing bowl. Avoid getting a ton of water mixed in..a little is ok.

3. Using a standing mixer or hand mixer, whip the coconut milk solids until it starts to somewhat resemble whipped cream (it will sort of hold peaks. You'll be able to tell!)

4. Drizzle in the blackstrap molasses to taste, and keep whipping the coconut milk simultaneously.

5. Add in the cinnamon and ginger and beat until well incorporated. Keep beating the coconut milk until it is pretty stiff and will hold stiff peaks. Then eat and enjoy!

Health benefits!!

Coconut Milk- Unlike cream, coconut milk has a huge amount of vitamins and minerals. It is abundant in vitamins A, C, and E to provide energy and help boost the immune system. It is also rich in minerals magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and iron. Coconut milk is also rich in antioxidants that reduce free radical damage (which causes the development of some diseases such as cancer, Alzheimers and dementia). Coconut milk also contains Lauric acid, a fatty chain acid that is also present in breast milk. Lauric acid is germ-fighting, antimicrobial, anti fungal, and help rid the body of viruses. 

Cinnamon- lowers blood sugar levels, increases insulin production helping prevent type 2 diabetes, has an anti-clotting effect on the blood, smelling cinnamon alone improves cognitive functioning, fights E.Coli bacteria, has been shown to alleviate headache  

Blackstrap Molasses- Yes, a sweetener that is GOOD for you! Unrefined and delicious, blackstrap molasses is a great source of iron (2 tsp provides you with a wopping 13% of your daily intake), it is also high in calcium (2 tsp will provide you with almost 12% of your daily intake). Also a good source of copper and manganese. 

Ginger- relieves nausea and indigestion, prevents motion sickness, may help morning sickness, antispasmotic  properties help relieve cramps, useful in helping arthritis, can reduce cholesterol levels in blood, and it is an aphrodisiac ;-)

Sources:

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/health-benefits-coconut-milk-2031.html

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?dbid=118&tname=foodspice

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/ 

http://www.organicauthority.com/health/11-health-benefits-of-cinnamon.html

The A to Z Guide to Healing Herbal Remedies, Jason Elias and Selagh Ryan Masline