Avocados, Chocolate & More

I just had to share an amazing new recipe that I came across, one that features the unusual combination of avocados and chocolate!

The recipe is for an Avocado Chocolate Pudding, created by nutritionist Michelle Babb, of Eat, Play, Be – a Mind-Body nutrition practice located in Seattle.

I made this luscious chocolate pudding earlier today, and I can tell you that the taste is incredible – creamy, chocolaty and velvety-rich, just like you’d expect chocolate pudding to be.

Yes, the ingredients are unconventional.

But that’s what I love about it! Plus, it is sugar-free, relying instead on a sugar substitute such as agave nectar or maple syrup.

I, for one, am trying to cut back on my sugar consumption this holiday season. I’m challenging myself to bake less, and stick with a few favorite recipes that can easily be converted to a gluten-free treat that is also low in sugar.

Of course, you can certainly create a perfectly lovely gluten-free pudding using traditional dairy or cream, and refined sugar.

I’m just saying there are alternatives.

If you’re looking for something a little different to tickle your taste buds, I think this tasty treat will likely satisfy your cravings.

Next week, I promise to share some of my own favorite holiday recipes. Meantime, I’ve been invited to two holiday parties this week alone!

This past weekend, I enjoyed a neighborly Tea Party and Secret Santa gift exchange. Even though we had a $5 price limit, I came home with a lovely Glassy Baby candle, courtesy of a very generous guest!

True to my own advice for attending parties and potlucks, I brought a tray of these Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, from the Gluten-Free Goddess.

This coming weekend, we have another neighborhood holiday gathering, and have been encouraged to bring treats and snacks of our choosing.

This is fine with me!

I typical like to bring both a savory snack – something relatively healthy – and a sweet.

That way, I know I’m covered. I also know that I won’t come away from the party feeling deprived, while watching everyone else enjoy the bountiful selection of cookies and other holiday fare.

After careful consideration, I’ve decided to bring a platter of crudités (carrots, celery sticks and the like), along with some Hummus, and perhaps some chips on the side, for munching.

These days, when I succumb to eating chips, I usually rely on one of these two favorites, which are readily available at your local health food store or on-line.

For a sweet treat, I thought this would be the perfect occasion to make some of these miniature donuts. (The donut makers are readily available at kitchen supply stores).

I might even dip them in chocolate for an added indulgence.

Hopefully, I’ve given you a few ideas to get you started, but I’ll leave you with this final suggestion.

Wherever you find yourself this holiday season – be sure to give yourself the treat of an indulgence or two.

You deserve it!