This post was inspired by, and is dedicated to, Norman Friedman. He’s a special guy, who enjoys life in a way that all of us would do well to emulate. A few months ago, Norman’s wonderful daughters, my friends Gail and Joanne, surprised him with a 90th birthday party.
Although I meant to get him a present beforehand, somehow it didn’t happen. So as the festivities were ongoing, I asked Norman what he would enjoy. His response was immediate and touching – he wanted me to dedicate a recipe to him.
One of Norman’s favorite foods is My-T Fine chocolate pudding. I decided that I would work on a homemade version that he could easily make for himself. I started down the traditional milk, cornstarch and solid chocolate path, when I realized that you don’t need to cook chocolate pudding if you use a different, healthier thickener – avocado.
I kid you not. Avocado not only works as a component of chocolate pudding, the result tastes great. I don’t make chocolate desserts for their health benefits, but in this case the nutritional benefits of avocados are a bonus: fiber, Vitamins C and K, and folate.
With an immersion blender and a microwave, you can make this chocolate pudding in 5 minutes. If you don’t have either one of those gadgets, you can still make it in minutes. Either way, it’s still the easiest chocolate pudding ever, not to mention a rather elegant dessert.
Chocolate Avocado Pudding
This is truly the easiest chocolate pudding ever. And healthy too. All you need are a few ingredients and a blender.
Ingredients
- 1/2 ripe avocado, roughly chopped
- 2-4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/3 cup milk, preferably whole or 2%
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
Instructions
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Put all the ingredients in a blender or a bowl if using an immersion blender. Blend until smooth. Put in small serving cups.
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Chill in the refrigerator if you prefer the pudding cold.
Recipe Notes
I melt my chocolate chips in a microwave, which took about 1 minute 45 seconds at half power, but the timing and power depend on your microwave.
This pudding is quite rich. I serve it in small espresso cups.
To keep the second half of the avocado (the half you're not using) from turning brown, leave the pit in it, spread a drop or two of fresh lemon juice on the part of the avocado “meat” that is exposed to air and refrigerate upside down in a small bowl.
Like microwave mini-chocolate cheesecakes, this dessert that can be made for a single chocoholic or a party of them. If you want to make a larger batch, doubling the recipe is about the limit for an immersion blender (at one time), but you could do more in a large size food processor.
Did I mention that Norman is a real ladies man? Here he is, at his party with one of his grandaughters and two friends. I look forward to celebrating many more good times with him – and to providing him samples of what I call “Norman’s chocolate pudding.” Move over My-T-fine.
By the way, if you enjoy this chocolate avocado pudding, you might also like the mousse version.
KudosKitchen-Renee says
This is a so wonderful with the addition of avocado. It’s a must try!
Renee – Kudos Kitchen
motherwouldknow says
Renee, Glad you liked the idea – definitely give it a try. Every time I see Norman, the 90 year old who inspired this dish, he tells me how much he loves it:)
Kc Kahn says
Thanks so much for bringing your healthier version Chocolate pudding (w Avocado) to our #theWeekendSocial. Love what you’ve brought to our table this week! 🙂 Pinned
motherwouldknow says
KC – Delighted to join the party #the WeekendSocial
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free says
Yes, avocado is SO perfect for chocolate pudding! Norman is a cutie 🙂
motherwouldknow says
Alisa, I’ll tell Norman you said that – he loves compliments from younger women 🙂
Mischa @ Accidental Farm Wife says
What a sweet birthday tribute! This looks so easy to make with my food processor too!
motherwouldknow says
Mischa, Yes, so simple and delicious.
Kirsten says
Laura,
Norman looks great–if chocolate pudding is his secret I’m going to make some.
I like my chocolate pudding warm, with cold milk splashed on top. The contrast really appeals to me.
Thanks!
motherwouldknow says
Kirsten, I saw Norman last week, he is as spry as ever – with chocolate pudding and dancing as 2 of this favorite things in the world, he makes me smile each and every time I see him.
Kristen says
I am amazed at how simple that pudding is and how rich and creamy it looks! What a great idea to use an avocado!
motherwouldknow says
Thanks – playing with avocado is fun, especially when chocolate is involved.
Nutmeg Nanny says
LOVE that you threw avocado into this pudding. I bet it makes it’s super creamy!