Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Not gonna lie, I am a self-proclaimed (and totally unashamed) chocolate addict. Dark to be exact. Here is a really healthy recipe for a great “adult pudding cup.” Its base is made with avocado and coconut milk, so it is full of healthy fats instead of sugar and preservatives. Remember that we NEED healthy fats. Consuming the right kinds of fats can help your meal be more nutritionally satisfying, as well as keeping you full longer, boosting your metabolic rate, protecting you from heart disease, and helping your body absorb nutrients.

Side note about avocado: They pack a ton of protein and fiber, and they contain oleic acid, which can help you overcome feelings of hunger. They also have been known to help lower inflammation, a problem often linked to cardiovascular disease.

So, have your pudding and eat it to. (You’re welcome!)

INGREDIENTS (serves 2)
1 medium avocado
¼ cup coconut milk
¼ cup water
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons cacao powder
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 ice cubes

DIRECTIONS
Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth and then divide into
serving dishes.

RECIPE NOTES

• You can make this a day or two ahead of time and keep in the fridge, but give it a good stir before dividing into dishes if you do that.

• Top with shaved chocolate, crushed pistachios, sea salt, coconut, or fresh strawberries or another fruit.

• Keep in mind that this is real chocolate, not commercially sweetened chocolate. The end result can be slightly bitter, but the spices help offset that.

• To turn up the heat a bit, add a little cayenne pepper (a dash will do) in place of either the cinnamon or the nutmeg – the chocolate chili combo gives the dessert a Spanish flare!