Happy Mother’s Day: Raw Foods Recipe for Coconut Parfait

Mother’s Day is an opportunity to honor our mothers. Unfortunately, I don’t get to hug my mom, and haven’t for 26 years. I wish my Mother had eaten healthier,  it probably would have saved her life. She would have been 82 this Mother’s Day.

Here’s a recipe to serve the moms in your life. It’s easy to make and delicious. Post below your mom’s favorite foods so we can create new versions that will keep your mom living her best life for a longer time.

Coconut Pudding Parfait

by Dr. Ritamarie

Ingredients

• 2 young Thai coconuts or a bag of defrosted frozen coconut meat (http://www.exoticsuperfoods.com )
• 1/2 cup pitted dates (or 1/4 cup chia seed gel plus stevia for a low-glycemic version)
• 1/4 cup raw cacao powder or carob powder or 1/8 cup of each
• 1 teaspoon vanilla, powdered or extract, or 1 vanilla bean
• pinch of whole unrefined sea salt

Directions

1. Open the coconut  (there are lots of YouTube videos on how to do this).
2. Reserve the liquid, scoop out the flesh and put the coconut flesh into your blender.
3. Add 3/8 cup dates or chia gel, 1/2 cup of the reserved coconut water, vanilla, and salt.
4. Blend until creamy and smooth.
5. Add extra liquid if needed.
6. Spoon 1/2 of the pudding into a bowl.
7. To the remaining pudding in the blender, add the cacao powder, remaining dates and about 1/4 cup of the coconut water.
8. Blend until smooth and creamy.  If it’s too thick, add extra coconut water to achieve the desired consistency.
9. Into a glass dessert dish or small wine glass, spoon 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate pudding, then 2 tablespoons vanilla and then another 1-2 tablespoons chocolate.
10. Top with a cherry or berry and serve.