Healthy Chocolate Pudding

For the sweet tooth in you…

Healthy Chocolate Pudding (Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn’t it?)

I first saw this recipe several years ago at the following link:

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/healthy-chocolate-pudding.html

I have modified it a bit to my tastes and hopefully to yours as well.  Have fun with this one!

Ingredients

12 dates

5 figs

Figs and dates may be purchased in various sizes.  The amounts in this recipe reflect an average sized fruit.

The figs give the pudding its thick consistency so if you are lacking in this ingredient, your pudding will be too runny.  On the other hand, I like the fig flavor to be less evident in my pudding, so it’s a bit of your call on this.  I have found a happy medium that suits my taste and reflects the amounts I have in this recipe.

2 heaping tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder

I use half cacao (organic, raw cocoa powder) and half a good quality cocoa.  Cocoa comes from a roasted bean that adds a nice flavor.  Half one and half the other, you get the best of both worlds!

2 heaping tablespoons of peanut butter (could also use almond or cashew butter)

Check the ingredients in your peanut butter.  It should read “roasted peanuts, sea salt”, nothing more.

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup water

I put all the above in my vitamix and pulse, then blend.  The pudding needs to be a creamy and smooth consistency or to your preference.  You may add a little more water to reach the thickness you desire. 

Voila!

Option:  Add a splash of amaretto for a delectable variation.