Sweet Potato Pudding with Pecan Crumble

While writing down my new year's resolutions I delighted in Sweet Potato Pudding with pecan crumble.  It wasn't the most effective way to write down goals; I couldn't stop focusing on this rich and creamy pudding I was putting in my mouth.  It's like sweet potato pie in a glass--or bowl, if you choose to eat it that way-- but not the same as that sweet potato pie smoothie I made in the fall; no! Sweet potato pudding is it's own special creation. 

There's something so comforting about eating pudding.  It conjures up feelings of when I was a child eating Jello pudding, Chocolate Vanilla Swirl .  mmMmmmm!  I'd eat the top chocolate layer quickly then savor half of the vanilla layer before mixing it up with the bottom chocolate.  I was a methodical kid : )
Sweet creamy foods have the power to transport us to our childhood.  When I'm feeling down or lonely, chocolate pudding is my indulgence of choice to make me feel like everything is going to be alright.

  

 I was doing some research on why we crave creamy and sweet foods.  The common belief is that we're craving comfort or not feeling so good about ourselves.  Sugar has the ability to give us a quick boost of energy; but can leave us feeling even worse when our the sugar high becomes a sudden low, thus causing us to reach for another bowl of sweetness to lift us back up.  It's a dangerous cycle.  This is why I became so interested in using "alternative" sweeteners that raise the blood sugar more slowly, and keep it steady for longer.  In this sweet potato pudding maple syrup acts as the sweetener.  The natural sugars in the sweet potato do their part as well.  Also, the fiber in the sweet potato helps to slow the absorption of the sugars into your bloodstream.  Thanks to coconut milk this decadent pudding is just as creamy as a "traditional" non-vegan pudding.  The pecan crumble is simply pecans, dates and a generous grating of  nutmeg.  When eating sweet potato pudding I make sure to have a good amount of pecan crumble on each spoonful because it takes this dessert to the next level.  It's pure deliciousness!

Now, let me give you the recipe and get back to writing my resolutions.

Happy New Year! 

p.s. If you haven't already signed up for my new newsletter, do so HERE.  January's newsletter will be out soon : )

Sweet Potato Pudding with Pecan Crumble

(The recipe for the pecan crumble follows the pudding recipe.  Serve this dessert in a bowl, martini glass, whatever.  I like to place the pecan crumbles at the bottom of the glass/bowl, then spoon the pudding over it.  An additional sprinkle of crumbles on top is nice too. The crumble is sticky enough to be used as a pie crust, or to make cookies.  For pie simply press the crumbles onto the bottom of a pie dish and pour the cooled pudding on top. To make cookies, roll out the dough and cut into shapes.)

1 can coconut milk

1/4 cup maple syrup

pinch sea salt

1/4 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch 

1 medium sweet potato, peeled, steamed & pureed

1/2 tsp nutmeg

Shake the can of coconut milk before opening.  In a heavy saucepan bring 1 1/4 cups of the coconut milk, maple syrup, and the salt to a simmer on low heat.

While that is heating, in a separate bowl whisk together the remaining coconut milk and arrowroot powder.

When the coconut milk on the stove has started simmering stir in the sweet potato puree.  Bring to a simmer once more.  Now turn down the heat to low and pour the milk and arrowroot mixture into the pot.  Stir with a whisk until the pudding begins the thicken.  Remove from heat, add nutmeg and continue to stir and thicken for another minute. It will thicken more in the refrigerator, but make sure the pudding is smooth.  Pour the pudding into a bowl and place in the refrigerator for about 2 hours to chill thoroughly. To prevent a skin from forming on the surface cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the pudding. 

Pecan Crumble:

1 cup pecans

3/4 cup dates, chopped 

1 tsp nutmeg

pinch sea salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon 

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Place all ingredients in a food processor.  Blend until incorporated.