Strawberry Mousse

Need I say more? Didn’t think so.

When creating recipes, I aim for simple, delicious, and healthy. And even though this is a treat, I say that each category still applies… yes, including healthy.

But how can that be?

While we do want to prevent blood sugar swings as much as possible, and fruit + maple syrup can certainly lead to them, the addition of fat in the whipping cream helps to balance this effect a bit. Fat digests more slowly in the digestive tract, so it helps to slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream. PLUS, fat makes us feel more full and satisfied faster than without it, so we’re less likely to be able to eat the whole thing, even if we tried. (Which – ahem – maybe we would the odd time…) 🙂

Think of this the next time you’re faced with the question: Should I add whipped cream or shouldn’t I? I say yes, do, because it will help stabilize your blood sugar. However, that whipped cream should be exactly that – real cream that you’ve whipped yourself… none of that gross sprayable stuff.

Have YOU ever whipped your own cream? Do you have tips for us? Answer in the comments below.

Strawberry Mousse

2 cups whipping cream
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 cups chopped strawberries (you could really use any type of berry)

Put the chopped strawberries into a small mixing bowl and mash with a fork (for this reason, ripe strawberries work best… plus, they’re most delicious). 🙂

Pour cream into a large mixing bowl (or bowl of your stand mixer), and use hand beaters (or your mixer) to whip it until it becomes fluffy and whipped cream-like. Don’t whip it TOO long, since you’ll do this one more time once you add the strawberries. I like to start on a lower speed for about 10 seconds, then go higher for the rest of the time. Toward the end, pour in the maple syrup and mix for another 5 seconds or so.

Add in the strawberries and mix for about another 5-10 seconds – your mousse will turn mostly pink but you’ll still have pieces of strawberry. This is perfect.

Keep in the fridge and serve straight up!