Happy Pi Day!

I just found out a year or two ago that today is actually a day people celebrate, and I'm all for a pie-based holiday! Pi is, of course, the Greek number you probably remember from high school math - as in, the area of a circle equals π times the circle's radius squared. π = 3.1415926 and on into infinity in a non-repeating sequence of numbers. Pi Day falls on the fourteenth day of the third month - 3/14. And this year is special because if you round up the next digits, you'll get 3/14/16! Any excuse to enjoy a pie! Here is a rich and healthy option.   


Raw Vegan Chocolate Avocado Mousse Pie with Pecan Crust

Crust:
2 cups pecans, divided 
4-6 soft dates, pitted
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
pinch of pink himalayan sea salt (or substitute other sea salt)

Filling:
2-3 medium-sized ripe avocados
1/2 cup raw cacoa powder
2-3 tablespoon raw honey 
1 teaspoon almond extract 
1 teaspoon lemon juice 
1/2 cup full fat coconut milk 
​

• For crust, soak 1 cup pecans in 2 cups water for 2-4 hours.  Drain and rinse. In a food processor, chop 1 cup dry pecans into a fine meal.  Set aside.  Chop soaked pecans into a fine meal.
• Cut or break the dates into pieces.  If the dates are very dry or firm, soak them in 1/2 cup water for 5 minutes to soften.  Add the date pieces, maple syrup, cocoa, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and sea salt to the ground soaked pecans and chop until well mixed.
• Add the ground dry pecans and chop until well mixed.  The dough should be crumbly but sticky enough to hold shape when pressed.  Press the dough evenly into a pie plate. It is easiest to press the dough first to the sides of the plate and then press into the bottom for an even depth.
• For the filling, blend together avocados, cocoa, honey, lemon juice, almond, and coconut milk extract in food processor.  Pour into prepared crust and chill for several hours before serving. 

Crust from
http://vegweb.com/recipes/amazing-chocolate-avocado-pie
Filling adapted from 
http://www.vegetarianyums.com/healthy-dessert-recipe.html