The endurance of the moose is a testament to anyone living in the true north, including Canadians. The moose is a majestic creature whose strength, adaptability, and resilience are a testament to life in Canada. 

Currently, the greatest population of moose occurs in Canada, where they can be found in all provinces except Nunavut and Prince Edward Island. Also, large numbers of moose are found in Alaska and New England, with Maine having the largest population in the United States. 

Around home, when you mention moose, we think of the chocolate delight sold at most deli counters and buffets. In West Milton, we like to run into IGA and splurge on the delightful dessert. It can be purchased by weight, starting with a half pound. 

As a kid, old enough to remember, my family was eating at Ponderosa. I scanned the large buffet and went over the moon when I spotted a bowl of vanilla moose, a rather large one at that. I loaded my plate with the goodness and headed back to my table while my mouth watered in anticipation. Scooping up the creamy moose, I flew the spoon right into my mouth. As fast as it went in, it came out. It wasn’t moose at all! I had piled my plate full of something that wasn’t moose. I had loaded up on butter! 

Needless to say, I’ve never seen a “vanilla” mouse in my life, only chocolate. If someone offered me vanilla, I would want to do a micro-size taste test to assure it wasn’t butter. A large spoonful of the lard like substance isn’t exactly appetizing. Over the years, the bad taste still surfaces from time to time. 

I’ve included a simple and low calorie mousse recipe. It is a great dessert to make to share but also something quick to whip up just to treat yourself. 

Also included are moose farts. What a funny word. I’m sure any child would laugh at the name of the dessert. Whether we want to admit it or not, everyone farts, even moose. When I showed the recipe to my daughter, she was delighted with all of the ingredients except coconut. It could always be left out. 

If you want to get a child involved in the kitchen and especially part of making a simple low calorie snack, then moose farts is your answer. After the dough is chilled, hand rolling begins. Everyone loves to dig in and play a part. Children and adults of all ages can roll dough balls and call them moose farts. 

Have fun trying these simple and delicious treats and keep your eyes out for moose tracks, or farts. 

Contact Ashley at ashley@tippgazette.com

 

Moose Farts

No-bake treats combining sweetened condensed milk, coconut, chocolate chips, and graham crackers into delightful small balls. Perfect for parties.

This fun name comes from Canadian humor. They're small, round, and coated in crumbs, making them a playful treat despite their unusual name.

Ingredients

1 can sweetened condensed milk 

1/4 cup melted butter.

1 tsp vanilla extract.

1 1/2 cups dried coconut.

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, plus extra for rolling.

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips.

Instructions

Combine melted butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla until smooth in large bowl.

Stir in graham crumbs, coconut, and chocolate chips. Mix thoroughly.

Refrigerate mixture 1 hour to firm up.

Scoop and roll into 1 1/4-inch balls. Keep small as they are rich.

Roll balls in additional graham cracker crumbs.

Place on baking sheet and chill until firm.

 

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Easy Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups HEAVY whipping cream

1/4 cup cocoa powder (dutch preferred), sifted, use 1/3 cup for DARK chocolate flavor

1/2 cup powdered sugar, use 1/4 cup for DARK chocolate flavor

1/4 teaspoon almond extract, optional

Instructions

In a chilled mixing bowl, begin whipping cream.  Whip until frothy and slightly thicken. 

Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Carefully mix until soft peaks form. 

Add almond extract if desired. Whip until stiff peaks form. 

Spoon into plastic bag or piping bag with piping tip. Pip into serving bowls or glasses. 

Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. 

Notes

Chilling your mixing bowl will help the cream whip more easily.

Sift cocoa powder to avoid dark flecks in mousse.

Add 1/4 cup powdered sugar to start. If you'd like a sweeter mousse, additional sugar up to an additional 1/2 cup. You can use a zero calorie sugar substitute for a sugar free or low carb version. Use a 1:1 sugar substitute. For best results, use powdered variety such as Swerve powdered sugar substitute.