Orange-Chocolate Pudding that Will Change Your Life (or at least your day)

No matter how healthily I eat during the day, I always (and I do mean ALWAYS) want something sweet after dinner.  Most nights, I can trick myself into thinking an apple and almond butter is dessert enough- other nights, I trick myself into thinking a full pint of ice cream is a good source of calcium.  

Today I bring you something that will really blow your hair back: a vegan, low-fat, low-sugar, gluten- free, easy-to-make, inexpensive chocolate dessert that tastes INCREDIBLE.  If all THAT isn't good enough for you, factor in that dark chocolate is actually chock full of antioxidants (polyphenols and flavonols) and...wow. Truly, a superfood.

I also whipped up a honey cream  but was too impatient to wait for the cream to get room temp, so it looks a little bizarre- but it was delicious. 

Yep, this is really all you need!

Ingredients 

• zest of 1 orange
• 100 g very dark chocolate (I like Lindt's 85% because it is on the cheap side and has the lowest sugar at 5 g per serving)
• 2 c almond milk
• 2 TBS sugar
• 2 TBS corn starch
  Non-Vegan Whipped Cream (optional)
• 1 c whipping cream this should be at room temp for optimal whippage
• 2 TBS honey

Assembly

1. Separate 1/2c of almond milk and set aside.  Then combine remaining 1.5 c of the almond milk with orange zest, chocolate, sugar, and corn starch in a heavy bottomed pan.  

2. Over medium heat, whisk together orange/milk/sugar/chocolate/starch mixture, being sure to not to let the chocolate burn at the bottom or the starch clump together.

3. Once the chocolate has melted, pour in remaining 1/2c of milk.  KEEP THAT WHISK STIRRING!

4. Let the mixture come to a boil (stirring all the while).  You can raise the heat to medium-high if you'd like.  The mixture will come together and get thick all at once, just before it boils.  Once it is boiling, cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.

5. Remove from heat and pour into your serving bowl.  Know that if you want a nice, smooth finish, you need to smooth the top out IMMEDIATELY with a flat spatula.  Allow it to cool to room temperature, then put it in the fridge to chill until serving.

Optional Not Vegan Whipped Cream: Combine cream and honey.  Whip at high speed in metal bowl with electric mixer until you have whipped cream.