Chocolate “pudding” (*wink wink*)

When I was young I loved Jello chocolate pudding (ingredients: sugar, modified cornstarch, cocoa processed with alkali, disodium phosphate, natural and artificial flavors, salt, tetrasodium, pyrophosphate, mono- and diglycerides, red 40, yellow 5, blue 1, artificial color, BHA)....no thank you 😉

This recipe satisfies with a creamy, delicious texture and is made using only whole natural foods.  Use this as a base recipe and vary the toppings to make it your own.  This is another recipe that I love for breakfast or a mid-afternoon break.  With this my chocolate cravings are satisfied and I have tons of energy to power through the rest of the day.  I hope you love it as I do ❤

~Chocolate Pudding~ (serves 1-Full disclosure: I usually double, triple or quadruple it even if it’s just for me )

-1 banana

-1 ripe avocado

-1 T coconut oil (optional, but creates a creamy, whipped texture that perfectly matches Jello’s)

-1 T cocoa powder 

-sweetener of choice (use approximately  1-2  dates, 1  heaping T of either coconut sugar, or  honey to taste)- do not use refined sugar or agave.  The amount of sweetener depends on the ripeness of your banana and avocado.  If you do not have a bowl of creamy brown heaven, keep adding sweetener, little by little, until you do)

Place all of the above ingredients in a food processor and blend until thoroughly whipped.  Taste and adjust level of sweetness as needed.  Top with desired topping and enjoy.

*Note: the banana is optional.  I love it, but if you are not a banana fan you may find it overpowers the flavour of the dish.  If you prefer to omit it,  substitute with almond milk (start with adding approx. 1/4 cup) to achieve the right texture.  Since you will not be getting the sweetness from the banana you will need to use more sweetener (dates, coconut sugar, honey, etc.) than in the previous recipe.  Start with 2T and increase to taste. 

Suggested Toppings: gogi berries, fresh raspberries (yes!), shredded coconut, cacao nibs, fresh fruit (whatever’s in season), maca powder, all natural sprinkles, coconut whipped cream