Once upon a time, this recipe was saved for potlucks and gatherings.  It is now a breakfast meal as myself and my family are looking for delicious ways to enhance our mood!

This chocolate tofu pie is full of mood supportive nutrition and tastes simply divine.

Ingredients:

FILLING:

Combine the following ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth:

  • 1 package of soft tofu or dessert tofu (I use plain soft tofu to avoid the sugar)
  • 1 medium avocado
  • 3 Tbsp coconut oil (optional)
  • 6 squares melted baker’s dark chocolate (melt first — I do this by putting it in a stainless steel mixing bowl over top of a saucepan of boiling water.  I stir the chocolate constantly to avoid it burning).
CRUST:

You can make a simple graham cracker crust, but if you want to ramp up the nutrition, make an oat and nut crust.  Now it is a ‘Doctor Approved’ breakfast recipe!

In the food processor, combine the following:

  • 1 cup of rolled oats
  • 1 cup of walnuts or mixed nuts of choice
  • 2 Tbsp hemp hearts
  • 2 Tbsp ground flax
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp ground coffee (optional)
  • 4 pitted dates
  • Mix 2 Tbsp melted coconut oil into the mix

Spread the mixture into a pie plate and press firmly all around.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

Simply pour the chocolate tofu mix into the pie crust and set in the freezer for 30 minutes.  Top with fresh or frozen berries and sprigs of mint.  Serve with a cup of dark-roast fair-trade black coffee and you’ve got a  morning worth waking up to!  (If you really want to be extravagant, add a dollop of cashew cream to your tart and voila!)

NUTRITIONAL BREAKDOWN:
  • Chocolate: dark chocolate is full of antioxidants which are incredibly health promoting.  It is also an excellent source of magnesium, a mineral many people lack.  Magnesium is central to energy production and the creation of mood hormones.
  • Tofu: an excellent source of protein.  Protein is key to balancing blood sugar and a balanced blood sugar is key for optimal mood health.
  • Avocado: a great source of healthy fat which is essential for mood balance, blood sugar stabilization and cardiovascular health.  High in Vitamin C, copper and Vitamin K, avocados are also excellent for immune function and bone health.
  • Coconut Oil: a medium chain triglyceride found to be an excellent source of lauric acid which research indicates may be very supportive of cardiovascular health.  Also high in caprylic acid, coconut oil is enjoying a reputation for supporting a healthy gut microflora.
  • Oats: Avena sativa (common name = oats) is well known in the botanical world as a nervine (calming tonic for the nervous system) (1).  Oats are also high in soluble fiber, the type of fiber helpful for lowering cholesterol and stabilizing blood glucose levels.
  • Nuts: high in protein, essential fatty acids and important minerals.  There is nay a body system that does not benefit from the health properties of nuts!
  • Hemp Hearts and Flax: an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids which have been found to be particularly beneficial in mood balance.
  • Cinnamon: this renowned spice is warming to the body and for many people, provides a sense of comfort.  Research suggests cinnamon may be helpful in the treatment of blood sugar and lipid disorders (2).  If you like the flavour of cinnamon, add a little extra!
  • Coffee: this morning elixir is a great source of antioxidants.  Drink it black and you avoid the potential for food sensitivities as well as the negative impact of sugar.  Of course, coffee stimulates the sympathetic nervous system so be careful how much you consume.  But as I am fond of saying, coffee is not the problem.  It is how we use coffee that is.  Be mindful with your coffee.  Take time for a coffee break and truly enjoy what coffee is.
  • Berries: a superfood, no doubt!  Berries are an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants.  Click here for more information on their immune benefits.
  • Mint: like many herbs, mint is a great source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.  Its’ refreshing flavour is soothing to both body and mind.  Consider pairing a piece of this pie with a cup of mint tea for the ultimate in refreshment!
RESOURCES:
  1. Abascal K., Yarnell E. (2004).  Nervine herbs for treating anxiety. Alternative and Complementary Therapies, (10): 309–315.
  2. Al Alawi, A. M., Majoni, S. W., & Falhammar, H. (2018). Magnesium and Human Health: Perspectives and Research Directions. International journal of endocrinology, 2018, 9041694. Accessed online April 2, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/9041694
  3. Davis, P. & W. Yokoyama.  (2011).  Cinnamon intake lowers fasting blood glucose: meta-analysis.  Journal of Medicinal Food, 14(9):884-9. Accessed online April 2, 2020.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21480806
  4. Mateljan, G.  2007.  The world’s healthiest foods.  George Mateljan Foundation: USA.