Silky Chocolate Pudding (Vegan)

I got this recipe at a class I am taking at Whole Foods. Make sure the family does not see you making it - they will never guess it is healthy. It is really tasty. We estimated 8 1/2-cup servings, but be prepared to be asked for seconds. Prep time does not include chilling time.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1  cup pitted dates, packed
• 2 1⁄2 cups hot water or 2 1⁄2 cups  almond milk or 2 1⁄2 cups coconut milk
• 1⁄4 cup  unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1  ripe avocado
• 1  teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. In a blender, pour the hot water over the dates and let them stand 10-15 minutes or so to soften. (you can use a hot non-dairy milk, but it tasted just great using only water).
2. After they have soaked, add the flesh of the avocado and all remaining ingredients. Blend on high, scraping down sides as necessary, until smooth.
3. You can eat it warm, but it tastes best if you can refrigerate it for 2 to 3 hours in an airtight container. Nice with raspberries on top. You can also freeze to make fudgiscles, we were told.