Dessert becomes heart healthy

FALLBROOK – Many people place emphasis eating a heart-healthy diet, but everyone likes a decadent dessert once in a while. What is a person who wants to stay healthy but enjoy something special do?

Health-conscious people don't need to sacrifice sweets on special occasions. With a few substitute ingredients, even something as rich as chocolate pudding can be made healthier. Try this recipe for “Chocolate Avocado-Chia Pudding” from the American Heart Association, which gets a healthy boost from creamy avocado and chia seeds.

Chocolate Avocado-Chia Pudding

Start to finish: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

2 medium ripe avocados, peeled and pitted

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder

1/4 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt

3 Medjool dates, pitted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons chia seeds

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted chopped almonds or walnuts (optional)

Directions:

In a food processor or blender, process all the ingredients except the almonds until smooth.

Transfer the pudding to serving dishes.Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the chia seeds to thicken.

Just before serving, sprinkle with almonds, if desired.