CARROT PATCH “DIRT” CUPS

 CARROT PATCH “DIRT” CUPS

Carrot Patch "Dirt" Cups are a fun and creative dessert or snack that are typically made to resemble a patch of dirt, with the "dirt" being made from crushed cookies or chocolate, and the "carrots" being made from candy or fruit. These cups can be made with a variety of different ingredients, but typically include crushed cookies or chocolate as the "dirt," and orange-colored candy or fruit, such as orange slices or mandarins, as the "carrots."

Here's one way to make Carrot Patch "Dirt" Cups:

These "dirty" carrot cups are made with an easy avocado chocolate mousse, topped with crumbled Oreos, then topped with (naturally colored) chocolate-covered strawberry "carrots." TOTES ADORBS...the perfect for spring!

Raise your hand if you grow up eating dirt cake!

I still vividly remember the day back in fifth grade when some pre-Pinteresty mom surprised our class by showing up with a round of dirt cake for everyone. We were all completely clueless as cups full of dirt were passed around each of our desks and then stared blankly at them as we were each given a spoon and told to take a bite. But the second we did — man — our whole class flipped.

These were officially the coolest foods we've seen in our eleven lives!! I mean, edible dirt? soft worm? Is it a snack inspired by photosynthesis? What is a child not to love?!?

ok ya. No one ever said you had to drop out of a great fifth grade. Now that spring is officially underway and Easter is just around the corner, I thought we could get our DIY with a modern version of the classic dirt mugs, made with a few slightly healthier swaps. Instead of the old school boxed chocolate pudding, I used a quick, easy, and healthy chocolate avocado mousse that I think you'll love. And instead of gummy worms, I put in some chocolate covered strawberries. And instead of Oreos, I used...more Oreos. Because dirt is cake. ♡ You can portion your cupcakes into cute individual serving cups like these, or pour the batter into a small baking pan and make a whole "cake", your choice.

Let's make some!

Well, let's start with the "carrots". You will need a handful of fresh strawberries (I recommend 1-2 per serving), some white baking chocolate (it will melt easier than a white chocolate bar), and food coloring. I am a huge fan of this new shade of natural food coloring from mccormick. It's made without artificial dyes and, instead, pulls color from the hulls, vegetables, and seeds. Love her. And it works great!!

Just melt the chocolate, use yellow and red food coloring to make it nice and orange, and give the strawberries a good dip. Then use a fork (or a piping bag) to drizzle some of the remaining chocolate over the strawberries again to form cute little stripes of carrot. Because yes, we're going all the way with our DIY today. ;)

Next, let's make some chocolate avocado mousse. This is just a slightly different take on this recipe, which many of you have made and loved over the years. And please don't let the word "mousse" scare you away - it's very easy to make. Plus! It also happens to be naturally sweetened, tastes really rich, and—thanks to those avocados—has the perfect mousse texture. Way better than those pudding packets. ;)

Then crush up some Oreos and stir half of them into the pudding mixture. Divide into serving cups (or a baking dish), sprinkle extra Oreos on top, and plant baby "carrots"...

... and serve!!

I seriously couldn't stop smiling while I was filming this stuff. and eats them. ;)

So fun, so simple, and so delicious. And perfect for Easter this year.

Happy spring everyone!

ingredients:

Dyed carrot cups

One batch covered with chocolate "carrots" with strawberries

1 batch of "Dirt" Chocolate Avocado Mousse

24 Oreos, crumbled

Ingredients for the "Dirty" Chocolate Avocado Mousse:

3 large ripe avocados

6 ounces dark chocolate, melted*

1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup almond milk

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Ingredients for the "carrots" covered with chocolate and strawberries:

6 ounces melted baking white chocolate*

McCormick's color of natural food coloring (red and yellow)

6 fresh strawberries

directione:

To make the "dirt": Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process for 1 minute, or until completely smooth. If you'd like a thinner mousse, feel free to add a few more tablespoons of almond milk. Stir about 2/3 of the crumbled Oreo mixture until combined, reserving the rest for the "dirt" topping.

To prepare the "carrots": Mix melted chocolate and food coloring together in a small bowl, and stir until desired color is reached. (Caution—you'll need more yellow than red food coloring!) Then, one by one, dip the strawberries into the chocolate until coated, and place them on a sheet of parchment paper to cool. Once all the strawberries are submerged, use a fork (or transfer the remaining chocolate to a piping bag) to sprinkle a few carrot-like streaks across the strawberries. Let it cool until the chocolate has completely set.

To assemble: Divide the "dirt" mousse mixture evenly among serving glasses. Sprinkle the remaining Oreo crumbles evenly over each cup. Then top with "carrot".

Serve it right away... and enjoy! Or if you want to make it in advance, you can refrigerate the mousse and carrot mixture in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Then collect them just before serving.