Here’s a great new way to enjoy avocado: in pudding form! This is a creamy chocolate pudding made with avocado and sweetened with dates and maple syrup.
1/4 c chopped dates
1/4 c water
1/4 c pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 ripe avocado
1/4 c + 2 tbsp cocoa powder
In a small saucepan, heat water and dates over medium heat until water boils. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 10 minutes until dates have softened. Remove from heat. Mash or blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Set aside to cool.
Scoop avocado into a medium bowl. Mash with a fork, or blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Add maple syrup, vanilla, cocoa powder and cooled date mixture. Stir until fully combined. Chill and serve.
This actually did taste like chocolate pudding; I couldn’t taste the avocado at all. The avocado adds a wonderful creamy texture, and of course a lot of nutrients that you won’t get from just any chocolate pudding. I also liked that this was sweetened naturally with dates and maple syrup (you could use agave too) instead of a pile of refined sugar. It makes a great healthy snack. The kids enjoyed their chocolate ‘treat’ and ate it up. We dipped strawberries into it and it was delicious. It is best if you eat it the day you make it. I tried some the follow day and I could taste the avocado, and not in a good way. It may seem a little odd to have avocado and dates in your pudding, but I urge you to give it a try, you might just like it.
My kids like to whine, especially when it comes to the food they eat, but that doesn’t stop me from trying to make tasty and healthy meals for them. Follow along as I share family-friendly recipes and reviews from my picky family members, who I lovingly call “The Whine Critics.” 
