Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 cups low-fat cottage cheese (2% or 4% works best for creaminess)
- 1 scoop vanilla or white chocolate protein powder
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or liquid stevia to taste
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips (mini chips work best)
- 1 tablespoon white chocolate chips
- 1 small candy cane, crushed
- A pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Blend the Base. Place the cottage cheese, protein powder, peppermint extract, sweetener of choice, and a pinch of sea salt into a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend on high for 60 to 90 seconds. You want to ensure all the curds are completely gone, leaving you with a silky, smooth liquid consistency. Stop and scrape down the sides if necessary to catch any stray protein powder.
- Step 2: Fold in the Bark Elements. Pour the smooth mixture into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Take half of your dark chocolate chips and half of the white chocolate chips and gently fold them into the mousse using a spatula. This ensures you get a bit of “bark” texture in every bite. Do not over-mix, or the peppermint extract might become too concentrated in one area.
- Step 3: Portion and Garnish. Divide the mixture into two small glass jars or dessert ramekins. Sprinkle the remaining dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and the crushed candy cane pieces over the top. For the best texture, place the containers in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the protein powder to hydrate and the mousse to firm up into a thick, spoonable consistency.
- Cook Time: 10 minutes