A lovely Chocolate Avocado Pudding Recipe

chocolate avocado pudding served with fresh cut strawberries

I learned to make a few dinner party recipes in Marni Wasserman's cooking class last week and decided to then re-make the entire dinner for my family this weekend, including this awesome Chocolate Avocado pudding ...

2 avocados
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp maple syrup
4 medjool dates (soaked overnight or in boiling water for 20-30 minutes)
1 tbsp pure unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp almond butter
1 very ripe banana
1 tsp of cinnamon

Blend all ingredients together in a food processor on high until well blended, thick and creamy.  Enjoy!

A Lovely Green Dinner Party Menu

Collard Greens cut in Angel hair stripes

Last night I attended another fantastic cooking class with Marni Wasserman and lovely group of inspiring home chefs. The theme: Dinner Party, which of course included many lovely green vegetables and recipes.

Marni discussing tempeh to the class

On the menu for this dinner party:

• Velvety Black Bean Dip
• Wild Rice and Yam Pilaf
• Sweet and Sour Tempeh Skewers
• Angel Hair Collards
•  Mango Rice Paper Rolls
• Green Beans Almondine
• Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Prepping the Tempeh

Mango Rice Paper Rolls

I worked on this dish with fellow gym-mate, Yvonne, but everyone in the group had a chance to work with the rice paper and make their own rolls.

My dinner plate

On the far right are the tempeh skewers, in the forefront the wild rice and yam pilaf and in the far back the green beans and collards - so colourful, so healthy and so very delicious!

Bon Appétit, indeed!

Green Tip 21: Challenge - Vegetarian for a Week!

 

GO VEGETARIAN ONCE A WEEK

One less meat-based meal a week can help the planet and your diet.  It requires 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef. You will also also save some trees.  For each hamburger that originated from animals raised on rain forest land, approximately 55 square feet of forest have been destroyed.  

(From 50 Ways to help the Planet)

Not sure where to start?  Try a cooking class or two, there are many great options available today and you don't have to go as strict as raw or even vegan classes but perhaps try a intro to vegetarian eating class or find some great information about it at your local vegetarian association.

Last week I took my first Marni Wasserman cooking class - Calci-Yum ... and Yummy it was!  A group of about nine of us made these amazing, calcium and nutrient rich dishes:

   Orange Salad with Pomegranate dressing (left) and Quinoa Broccoli Pinenut Pilaf (right)

    Spinach Almond Balls (can also be made into patties)

   Sesame-Miso Crusted Tempeh (I made this one in the class and I have a new found love for tempeh!)

   Seasonal Roasted Vegetables

    and for dessert ...

   Carob Fig Frozen Fudge!