Skip to main content

Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Now I've heard that there is a similar recipe within the Paleo Diet books, but this recipe I have adapted from the kitchens of The Blum Center for Health in Rye Brook, New York.

Normally I would've never thought that these ingredients could come together to make such a wonderfully delicious dessert. So, when I began to experiment with this recipe I was prepared for less than stellar results. However, I was not prepared to absolutely fall in love with this recipe! The avocado in this recipe provides a smooth and fluffy texture that reminded me of my childhood days when I first tasted homemade chocolate pudding. Those were the days when homemakers would consider the use of processed “instant” puddings a sacrilege. Back then, puddings were actually cooked.

Aside from the texture, the avocado also provides an abundance of healthy fats and the amino acid tyrosine, which I understand to be rather important for proper hormone regulation, body metabolism and your brain’s memory.

Since this recipe is so rich, I enjoy serving it over sliced, organic strawberries. You may eat it as is; perhaps garnished with a sprig of mint, or you can even experiment with it, like I have, by adding freshly ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper (for the sake of personal preference, this is the basic recipe).

If you are a true chocolate lover, there is absolutely no way to go wrong with this basic recipe. I hope you enjoy it.

Serves 4

Ingredients:
One well ripened avocado
6 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
5 tablespoons of honey or agave syrup. (for texture, I prefer the honey)
5 to 6 tablespoons of coconut milk or almond milk (more or less depending on the consistency you are after)
Pinch of salt
Fresh mint sprigs, fruit or berries of choice.

While you can choose to mash the ingredients together by hand, use a blender, or a hand held mixer, I believe a food processor works best in delivering the smoothest, creamiest texture.

That said, place the flesh of your ripe avocado and all the ingredients (except for the berries, mint or fruit) into a food processor and process until smooth and creamy. You may need to pause to scrape the sides from time to time. Using a rubber spatula, scoop the pudding into a sealable container and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour prior to serving.

If you're planning to serve this desert to guests, you may consider the following idea:

Arrange a variety of fresh berries and fruits (try fresh bananas, apricots or orange wedges) on a tray along with fresh mint, ground cinnamon and serve the pudding in individual cups. Then allow your guests to experiment with adding their own choice of fruits, herbs or seasonings, or eating it "as is."

Don’t forget, chocolate always pairs nicely with wine, too.

As always – enjoy your life.

John Aaron Villarreal


Bio: I am a Houston based, male massage therapist and wellness coach specializing in pain management and health programs for individuals over the age of forty. I laugh - a lot. I'm quirky but sincere. And, while I'm not a counselor, I do listen and I do care: Except for the times that I don't. That’s a joke - Did I mention that I like to laugh? Anyway, visit my website, call or email me and let's get together to talk about you, and the many ways to live life better!

 The Legal Stuff: I write to inform, inspire and encourage my readers to enjoy all that life has to offer.
The content and information on this site is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease.
Please consult your physician prior to starting any exercise, diet or wellness program. 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What To Do When You’re Chronically Stressed

Of all the modern-day ailments that seem to affect us, none is more pervasive than stress. Everywhere you turn, there are factors lurking to redirect you from your peaceful pursuit of happiness and lock you in the clutches of “stress.” What exactly is stress—and what more insidious effects does it cause? The dictionary defines stress as “great pressure or force; strain.” In today’s world, we think of stress as the result of too much pressure laid upon us by life, causing mental worry or anguish. This, in turn, manifests itself in tight neck and shoulders, headaches, nervous stomach, etc. But these physical and mental conditions are really only the beginning. Studies show that stressful situations can develop into more threatening health conditions. For instance: A sudden or unexpected stressor can activate your adrenal glands, which sends adrenaline and other hormones into your bloodstream. This brings about an increase in your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood f
Post a Comment
Read more

Simple Steps to Spring Forward Toward Fitness

Daylight savings time is a sure reminder that spring is just around the corner and there WILL eventually be an end to the winter weather. And while much of the country still dealing with bitter cold, here in Houston, we’re definitely ready for the warmer days. In fact, this is the time of year when you’ll find many of us increasing our outdoor activities and all too often push ourselves a little too hard. Unfortunately, what can result is often a few days of painful recovery time. So, I've got a short list of suggestions to consider as you pursue your favorite warm-weather pastimes this season: First, increase your activity level gradually — Pay attention to your body’s signals so you can avoid serious injury and don’t have to pay the painful price of overindulgence. Start slowly and do a little more each day and you’ll be up to speed in no time. Warm up — Plunging into activity before you get your body warmed and ready is inviting potential trouble. Avoid possible sprains,
Post a Comment
Read more

The Benefits of Regular Massage Sessions

Once people discover the many joys and benefits of massage, a common question arises—“How often should I schedule my massage sessions?” Of course, there is no set answer, but studies indicate that massage at regular intervals is most beneficial to your overall health. In a Newsweek article entitled “The Magic of Touch,” the advantages of frequent massage are considered. The following excerpts help to answer the question, “How often?” “A weekly massage may seem an indulgence, but new research suggests it can have major health benefits... “Since instituting a program of massage, job-specific exercises and ergonomics in 1990, the Virginia-based company [Wampler Foods] has cut repetitive-stress injuries by 75 percent... “From assembly lines to corporate headquarters, Americans are discovering the magic of massage. At Boeing and Reebok, headaches, back strain and fatigue have all fallen since the companies started bringing in massage therapists... Doctors have started prescrib
Post a Comment
Read more