Satisfy Your Dessert Cravings the Healthy Way
Let’s be honest ‑ we all have a sweet tooth. Or, in my case, sweet teeth! As a result, I’ve spent many years in the kitchen concocting healthier versions of classic dessert recipes that not only satisfy those primal urges for something sweet but also provide a plethora of healthy nutrients that make you feel (and look) like a rock star.
One of my favorite all-time desserts is chocolate pudding. Something about Bill Cosby on TV in the ’80s rockin’ those pudding commercials will have me forever waxing nostalgic. So, I decided to concoct my own delicious, decadent version: Chocolate Avocado Pudding! You’re probably thinking, “Avocado in my chocolate pudding – seriously?” Well, let me tell you: Not only does it create the creamiest, dreamiest pudding ever; it also contains a variety of amazing benefits.
The two stars of this recipe are fresh avocado and raw cacao (unprocessed chocolate). Avocado is loaded with heart-healthy fats that are great for maintaining strong cardiovascular function. It also contains minerals that are shown to boost your libido and be highly beneficial for men’s sexual function. Raw cacao (the foundation of any chocolate bar) is the world’s highest known source of natural magnesium. Magnesium is crucial for strong blood flow, a relaxed nervous system and healthy brain function.
When you combine creamy avocado with decadent raw cacao powder and mix them with other superfood ingredients like agave nectar and pecans, you get a supercharged, healthy pudding that will pump up your next party as if Prince were playing “Purple Rain” in your living room. You’ll enjoy the same rich mouth feel and dreamy pudding texture along with a sense of satisfaction that you just made something really good for yourself. It’s the ultimate “win-win” in the kitchen!
In fact, it’s never been easier to find easy-to-use healthy substitutions without sacrificing flavor, texture or satisfaction. You can find nutrient-rich superfood ingredients that play well with any of your favorite dessert recipes, including ice creams, puddings, pies, cakes, brownies and cookies (to name a few). From low-sugar sweeteners and heart-healthy oils to gluten-free flours and raw superfoods, tons of affordable new ingredients appear on your grocery store shelves everyday. So feel free to experiment with new recipes, play with your food and get ready to get your mind (and your tastebuds) blown!
Check out my delicious chocolate avocado pudding recipe here and tune in for more divine dessert recipes on my new special – How to Live to 100 – debuting tonight at 8pm/7c on Cooking Channel.
