Blend cottage cheese smooth: Add the cottage cheese alone to a blender or food processor and blend on high for about 60 seconds, stopping once to scrape down the sides. It should look smooth and thick, with no visible curds left.

Add cocoa and sweetener: Add the cocoa powder, honey, vanilla extract and salt to the blended cottage cheese. Blend again for 30 to 45 seconds until the color turns a deep, even brown.

Scrape and check texture: Stop the blender and scrape the sides with a spatula to catch any curds that escaped the blades. Run it once more to make sure the mixture is fully smooth with no white streaks.

Mix in melted chocolate: If using, melt the dark chocolate chips in 20-second bursts in the microwave, stirring between each. Pour the melted chocolate into the blender and pulse until fully combined and glossy.

Adjust the consistency: Add the milk one tablespoon at a time, blending briefly after each addition. Stop once the mousse falls slowly off a spoon instead of sitting stiff on it.

Taste and adjust sweetness: Taste the mousse and add more honey if you want it sweeter, or a touch more salt if the chocolate flavor feels flat. Blend for a few more seconds to fully incorporate any additions.

Spoon into serving cups: Divide the mousse evenly among four small cups or bowls using a spoon or piping bag for a cleaner look. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon.

Chill if desired: For a firmer, more mousse-like texture, refrigerate the cups for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve right away instead if you prefer a softer, pudding-like consistency.

Add toppings: Top each serving with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a few extra chocolate shavings just before serving. These toppings add texture contrast against the smooth mousse underneath.