Our toaster oven died. I'm also trying to reduce the amount of baked goods/sweets I eat, even those that are homemade. But, my sweet tooth isn't thrilled about that plan, so I've been trying to find some even healthier, but still indulgent, sweets recipes. This one is a favorite; it's got a ton of nutrients, fantastic flavor, and super healthy, lovely fats. It's quick and easy to make, rich and filling, and definitely satisfies my sweet cravings.
Now, when you see the ingredient list, I'm sure you're going to think I'm crazy. I'm not, I promise! Well, at least not about this! :) I've been a fan of such unorthodox ingredients before (which my friend, Lauren, can TOTALLY vouch for!). I'm even trying out some cookies that I hope to share with you in the near future!
Chocolate Pudding, Remade
makes 2 servings
adapted from The Iron Man
1 ripe avocado (skin & pit removed)
2 Tbs of honey or maple syrup
2 Tbs, slightly heaping, cocoa power*
1 heaping Tbs coconut oil (use cold-pressed/processed)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp ground flax seed
sprinkling of chocolate chips, I like Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate chips
Toss all the ingredients except the chocolate chips in a food processor (blender might work too, but I haven't actually tried it. If you do, please let me know how it goes in the comments!). Process until smooth and shiny. You may have to stop it and scrape down the sides a couple of times. When smooth, toss in your chocolate chips and process just a bit more to break the chips up slightly and incorporate them into the pudding.
Spoon into a container and let chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Serve and devour. I crumbled up some peanuts on top. Cashews would also be awesome. A scoop of nut butter would probably be divine. Cover and save left-overs in the fridge for probably up to 4 days…I can't say for sure, as mine only lasted about 24 hours. :)
*I used black cocoa powder. Oh man. Life changing, I tell you. Essentially, black cocoa powder is uber "Dutch-processed", which means the acidity naturally present in cocoa is removed, making for a more mellow flavor, completely lacking at bitterness/acidity of traditional raw cocoa powder. If you don't have/don't want to use black cocoa powder, try raw cocoa powder and a pinch of baking soda. The baking soda will help neutralize the cocoa and give the pudding a really lovely, rich, dark chocolate color
Avocado Awesomeness
Niacin - also known as B3; precursor to tryptophan which is needed for the satiating and calming neurotransmitter, serotonin; also necessary for fat, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism
B5 - also called pantothenic acid, needed to make Coenzyme A, which is used in energy metabolism and the synthesis of fatty acids
B6 - i.e. pyrodoxine, is a coenzyme (required for) amino acid (building blocks of protein) metabolism
Folate - required for DNA synthesis to make new cells; also prevents neural tube defects which makes it a great part of a healthy pregnancy diet
Vitamin C - potent antioxidant, helping reduce and control inflammation in the body and reduce the progression of disease processes; vitamin C is also essential for collagen synthesis, which makes up the various structural components of our bodies
Vitamin K - forms prothrombin which is necessary for activating the clotting cascade and allowing blood to clot; use caution if you take warfarin/coumadin, a blood thinner (consistent Vit. K intake is necessary to prevent bleeding problems)
Potassium - necessary for proper electrolyte and fluid balance, nerve and muscle function, as well as to make many enzymes work properly
Copper - needed to make hemoglobin, the stuff in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the cells; also helps increase iron absorption
Oleic Acid - a lovely mono saturated fat, also found in olive oil; has anti-inflammatory properties
Chocolate Pudding, Remade
makes 2 servings
adapted from The Iron Man
1 ripe avocado (skin & pit removed)
2 Tbs of honey or maple syrup
2 Tbs, slightly heaping, cocoa power*
1 heaping Tbs coconut oil (use cold-pressed/processed)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp ground flax seed
sprinkling of chocolate chips, I like Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate chips
Toss all the ingredients except the chocolate chips in a food processor (blender might work too, but I haven't actually tried it. If you do, please let me know how it goes in the comments!). Process until smooth and shiny. You may have to stop it and scrape down the sides a couple of times. When smooth, toss in your chocolate chips and process just a bit more to break the chips up slightly and incorporate them into the pudding.
Spoon into a container and let chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Serve and devour. I crumbled up some peanuts on top. Cashews would also be awesome. A scoop of nut butter would probably be divine. Cover and save left-overs in the fridge for probably up to 4 days…I can't say for sure, as mine only lasted about 24 hours. :)
*I used black cocoa powder. Oh man. Life changing, I tell you. Essentially, black cocoa powder is uber "Dutch-processed", which means the acidity naturally present in cocoa is removed, making for a more mellow flavor, completely lacking at bitterness/acidity of traditional raw cocoa powder. If you don't have/don't want to use black cocoa powder, try raw cocoa powder and a pinch of baking soda. The baking soda will help neutralize the cocoa and give the pudding a really lovely, rich, dark chocolate color
Avocado Awesomeness
Niacin - also known as B3; precursor to tryptophan which is needed for the satiating and calming neurotransmitter, serotonin; also necessary for fat, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism
B5 - also called pantothenic acid, needed to make Coenzyme A, which is used in energy metabolism and the synthesis of fatty acids
B6 - i.e. pyrodoxine, is a coenzyme (required for) amino acid (building blocks of protein) metabolism
Folate - required for DNA synthesis to make new cells; also prevents neural tube defects which makes it a great part of a healthy pregnancy diet
Vitamin C - potent antioxidant, helping reduce and control inflammation in the body and reduce the progression of disease processes; vitamin C is also essential for collagen synthesis, which makes up the various structural components of our bodies
Vitamin K - forms prothrombin which is necessary for activating the clotting cascade and allowing blood to clot; use caution if you take warfarin/coumadin, a blood thinner (consistent Vit. K intake is necessary to prevent bleeding problems)
Potassium - necessary for proper electrolyte and fluid balance, nerve and muscle function, as well as to make many enzymes work properly
Copper - needed to make hemoglobin, the stuff in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the cells; also helps increase iron absorption
Oleic Acid - a lovely mono saturated fat, also found in olive oil; has anti-inflammatory properties