NO-junk chocolate pudding (vegan/paleo)

Ya’ll.  Please, oh please, don’t judge me for the ONE photo I took for this recipe. With my iPhone.  Unstaged.  And in not-so-great lighting.  With a kid yanking on my arm.

Hey!  I never claimed to be a food blogger.

(I’m actually not sure WHAT kind of blogger I’m claiming to be.  A lazy one?  Pssst….I even had the audacity to add a “Pin It” option to that hideous picture.)

The only real reason I’m sharing this recipe is because I’ve NEEDED access to it for the past four Januarys.  And I suspect that there are a few of you out there that are in need of something sweet right now.

You see, the past few years, my church family and I have participated in the Daniel Fast.  It’s basically 21 days of VEGAN, NO SUGAR.  The only sweetener that’s allowed is honey (and even then, some people think that’s “cheating.”  <-hate that word, especially when it seems legalistic in the religious-fasting sense.)  I’m not participating in the fast this year because, well, I’m with child and I didn’t think it wise.  BUT, I know that there are some readers that might be fasting (or dieting refined sugars – this recipe will suit you too!) and so I thought I’d share.

It *might* just get you through the next 21 days!

Or you might try it and hate it.

Hey!  I never claimed to be a food blogger.

NO-JUNK Chocolate Pudding (Vegan & Paleo)

Adapted from this recipe

INGREDIENTS
10 dates, pitted and cut into quarters
10 dried figs, cut into quarters (stems removed)
2 tablespoons unsweetened dark cocoa powder
3-4 tablespoons raw nut butter (almond, cashew, or peanut)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 to 1 1/2 cups water

In a blender or food processor, place the dates, figs, cocoa, nut butter, vanilla, and 1 cup of water and pulse until just beginning to blend.  Slowly add water as you continue to pulse, until the mixture is creamy, smooth, and the desired consistency.  Store in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 5 days.

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QUESTION:  Are you watching your refined sugars this month?  Made any goals that involve limiting unwanted sugars??

splendid…lindsay