(NaturalNews) Chocolate goodies can be so incredibly tempting! Unfortunately, most commercial candy bars and treats are full of less-than-ideal ingredients. So why not try making your own chocolate treats, instead? It's the best way to control the quality of your ingredients! Even a novice in the kitchen can easily whip up this simple homemade recipe for dairy-free, chocolate-banana pudding! It will satisfy your chocolate craving without the guilt, because it's made with natural ingredients and a raw healthy fat that you may not expect to find in a dessert!

Bananas are one of the natural ingredients in this recipe, and they add a good dose of potassium to this treat. Avocados are the surprising star of this dairy-free delight. They are packed with raw, healthy fat that gives this pudding a dairy-like creaminess. Avocados are also loaded with fiber, and they contain more potassium per ounce than bananas!

Unlike commercial varieties, this pudding is sweetened with natural, raw honey -- a sweetener that actually contributes to your health. Raw honey is full of vitamins and minerals; it contains high levels of antioxidants, and it actually reduces the inflammation associated with many conditions (e.g., allergies, infections). Make sure that you purchase honey that is truly raw, because heating (i.e., pasteurizing) honey destroys its natural health benefits! You will most likely find raw honey at your local farmers market, natural food store or health section of your regular grocery store. It is generally thicker and less clear than regular pasteurized honey. In fact, it often must be scooped out of its container rather than squeezed or poured.

(Dairy-Free) Chocolate-Banana Pudding Recipe

Makes about 2 cups (about 4 small servings)

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup raw honey
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 large avocado, preferably chilled*
• 2 frozen bananas*

*If you are serving this pudding immediately, it's best to start with very cold banana and avocado, so the pudding will be chilled right away and ready-to-eat!

Directions:

NOTE: If you are using a standard blender (not a high-powered machine), set the frozen bananas out to thaw for about 10 minutes, so they won't be really hard. Then break each banana into a few chunks before adding them to the blender.

Add all ingredients to the blender in the order listed above, and blend on high speed until smooth.

If you use a standard blender, you will need to stop blending several times to scrape the sides of the pitcher to push the ingredients down into the blade.

This pudding is best eaten immediately, but you may store any leftovers in the refrigerator for later if you prefer.

Sources:

http://www.whfoods.com

http://www.whfoods.com

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

About the author:
Christy Pooschke is a natural health advocate who became passionate about avoiding food additives after healing from years of chronic illness. Want more simple & tasty natural recipes? Check out her e-book, Eating Additive-Free- a natural cookbook packed with 160 recipes and a complete additive-free grocery shopping guide!