A dish so sweet you’re bound to fall in love

Feb. 14 is known as the day of romance, so with that theme in mind, an indulgent choice from the Valentine’s cliché closet seems more fitting in lieu of the simple savory dishes I am more drawn to share. Valentine’s Day and chocolate are pretty much synonymous.

A silky and fluffy chocolate mousse is a favorite of mine. Most varieties of mousse are usually prepared with ingredients very high in fat, sugar and loaded with calories. The thought of altering the original sinful chocolate mousse came to mind. This version is incredibly simple to make and is delicious as well as nutritious.

Desiree Arnold/Foghorn

Most varieties of mousse are usually prepared with ingredients very high in fat, sugar and loaded with calories. This one uses cacao, which makes for a healthier treat without sacrificing the taste.

Healthy and chocolate are not typically paired together, but delicious dark chocolate is for more than just curing the

broken heart. An antioxidant- rich dark chocolate dessert can be a tasty treat as well as a healthy one. Dark chocolate made with high amounts of cacao will possess the least sugar.

I use cacao in powder form for recipes. Note that it is cacao, not cocoa. These two are very much identical in appearance, but are vastly different from each other.

Cocoa is identified with the familiar hot chocolate beverage. The main difference between the two is simply the process — cacao is cold-pressed and unroasted, which removes the fat. Cocoa is roasted at high a temperature, which unfortunately reduces its nutritional value. Maximizing chocolate goodness and minimizing sugar, fat and calories is a fabulous way to go.

Whether you are spending the day with your special valentine or with Netflix, remember you don’t need a special holiday or occasion to create and enjoy a decadent treat.