It’s that time of year again, and whether you have a valentine this year or not, it’s the perfect occasion to whip up some healthy sweet treats. In past years, we’ve explored healthy peanut butter cups and raw chocolate protein balls as well as coconut date bars. While the chocolate protein balls are (still!) a favorite fridge staple of mine, the quest for healthy treats continues. While I’ve personally been gluten free for a little over two years, I’ve recently cut out dairy, eggs, and all other grains as well. (I recommend the same (and more, for a time) for anyone looking to treat their psoriasis, eczema, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or any other autoimmune related disorder. For more info, please contact us). This makes it difficult to find any dessert pre-made, so making my own sweets is of utmost importance. I will cut out many things, but chocolate is not one of them!
Luckily, I’m not the first person to restrict their diet in this way, and there are some great Paleo and Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) recipes out there. They may take a little more effort at first, but establishing your Paleo/AIP pantry is fairly easy and will provide many of your go to items.
Chocolate Avocado Pudding
makes approximately 4 servings
4 ripe avocados
1/4 cup light coconut milk
4 tablespoons unsweetened dark cocoa powder
3 tablespoons honey
2 ounces of dark chocolate (72% or higher), melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt for topping: coconut whipped cream, cocoa nibs
Remove avocados from the skin (and pit) and place in a food processor. Blend until combined and creamy. Add in all remaining ingredients, blending until pureed, scraping down the sides when needed to combine. Taste and season/sweetened additionally if desired. Blend for a good 1-2 minutes until completely creamy, then serve with desired toppings.
If following an AIP diet (no chocolate) , Laura Vein of Sweet Treats has a great option below using carob as a replacement. For full instructions click here
Carob Avocado Mousse
2 Organic Avocados, ripe but not brown
2 Tbl (42 g) Organic Honey (local preferred)
5 Tbl (30 g) Carob Powder (could sub cocoa powder, if preferred)
3/4 c (186 g) Organic Coconut Milk Beverage
Place all ingredients into a high speed blender or food processor.
Blend on high speed until everything is combined, scraping the sides as necessary.
Portion into cups & refrigerate a couple hours before serving.
Notes:
If you’re not following an Autoimmune Protocol, feel free to substitute cocoa powder instead of the carob. The carob will give the mousse a slightly more toasted flavor.
The mousse can be frozen for a delicious frozen treat.
For another dessert utilizing avocado, these chocolate avocado truffles by Detoxinista are divine. The best thing about it: you KNOW what’s in it.
Dark Chocolate Avocado Truffles
Author: Detoxinista.com
Prep time: 10 mins Total time: 10 mins
Serves: 12
A quick and easy truffle, calling for heart-healthy avocado instead of dairy!
INGREDIENTS
6 oz. dark chocolate
⅓ cup mashed avocado (about 1 small avocado)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt
2 tablespoons cocoa powder, for rolling (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine the chocolate, vanilla extract and pinch of salt over a double boiler, and melt until completely smooth. (I just use an oven safe bowl over my small saucepan for this.) Mash the avocado with a fork until no lumps are visible, then stir it into the melted chocolate mixture until smooth and thickened. Place in the fridge to set for 20 minutes, or until slightly firm to the touch.
Once the mixture has been chilled and is slightly firm, use a tablespoon to scoop the chocolate into 12 balls. Place them on a pan lined with parchment paper, and roll the balls between the palms of your hand to create an smooth surface. (Be warned: this can get messy!)
Place the 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder in small bowl, and roll each truffle into the cocoa to coat. Serve at room temperature, but store in the fridge for a lasting shelf life.
Notes:
These truffles can be dairy-free and/or sugar-free depending on the type of chocolate you buy. Be sure to read labels carefully!
Feel free to roll these truffles in ground nuts or shredded coconut, if you prefer.
If you are feeling especially ambitious, try out this beautiful raspberry Valentine’s cake by Kate Jay of the AutoImmune Paleo community
Whatever you decide to do, make it healthy! Happy Valentine’s day from Absolute Wellness Center!
Concerned you have a food sensitivity? Autoimmune related issue? We can help. Please call us at (843)416-8218 or email us here.
