You might have guessed it Beauties– my Layered Zebra Pudding Recipe is a combination of the rich and yet delicate flavors of chocolate and vanilla all layered up into creamy dollops of goodness, and who doesn’t love this combo?!
With its moisturizing and cleansing oils from the coconut and the anti-inflammatory properties of the vanilla, and antioxidants in the cacao, you will enhance your body, beauty and overall wellness. So don’t think of this as cheating. On the contrary! Think of it as pampering your mind, body, soul, and all of your senses!
Beauty Chocolate Layer: Cacao
Don’t you just love that happy feeling you get when you indulge in chocolate?! I am a life-long chocolate lover and have wondered in the past, ‘Why it is we go into such a blissful state the second it touches our tongues’?
There is actually a science to it, in that it contains the neurotransmitter anandamide (also known as the “bliss chemical”).
Cacao contains anandamide inhibitors which keep the compound from breaking down quickly and the feeling of cacao anadamide lasting longer—so we feel great longer. I like the sounds of that!
Looking to keep your skin looking and feeling more youthful and fresh? You will be happy to hear that raw cacao contains polyphenol antioxidants that are also found in green tea and red wine. The anthocyanins that are found in red wine can actually protect your cells from premature destruction, which will help the aging process (yahooooo!).
How about shedding some unwanted fat? You got it! Raw cacao’s MAO inhibitors help reduce your appetite, and thereby, helping you rid your waistline of inches.
Do you love your blueberries? Well, raw cacao contains nearly 20 times more than blueberries and four times the antioxidant content of regular processed dark chocolate– so take that!
If they wasn’t enough to convince us (and who needs convincing?), cacao also aids you in a better nights sleep, in lowering fatigue, in building stronger hair, and improving your overall well-being and longevity.
You may choose to purchase cacao at any health food store, or find some great online sites where you can buy it raw, organic and in bulk (this is true of the chocolate chips you’ll be using in this recipe as well).
Note: Choose raw cacao over cocoa since it is the raw form of the cacao bean and is less processed—having more powerful antioxidant effects and health benefits. Both powders come from the same original source (the Theobroma cacao tree), how it’s processed is what makes the difference. Cocoa can be used sometimes, when sourcing is an issue, but it may contain added sugar or other sweeteners.
Beauty Vanilla Layer: Coconut & Vanilla
Coconut in all Forms
Coconut comes in an array of forms, from it’s young flesh and coconut water, to it’s harder mature meat that can be made into coconut shreds. All of these forms packed in one shell and from the same incredible source.
Not to mention the coconut milk and coconut yogurt that is created from this same cleansing fruit- how could you not love this beauty fruit, right!
Key nutrients found in coconut are…
- potassium
- magnesium
- calcium
Because it is so full of electrolytes (like the potassium), it helps to regulate the fluid levels inside cells and balance the high amount of puffiness that may occur from too much sodium.
These electrolytes also help to facilitate cellular cleansing and is about twice as concentrated in coconut water, as in a banana.
While coconut milk (or coconut water), can never replace good ole water, it is still one of the top drinks suggested for keeping your body filled with nutrients and keeping your skin supple and your hair lush and shiny. The same goes when adding coconut milk to any dish or dessert.
It is important to choose plain coconut water and avoid brands with added juice or sugar flavorings. We are trying to steer clear of any sugary ingredients, after all.
Regardless of what form of coconuts you choose to consume, you really are guaranteed to reap the benefits while enjoying its sweet and earthy taste. Rich in trace minerals that come from the roots of the coconut trees, it’s literally like you’re putting nature right into your body.
The Ultimate Flavoring of Vanilla
As for the vanilla, this is such a fragrant ingredient that I love to put in my smoothies and desserts, like today’s pudding. I mean, how could we not put vanilla into any dessert?! It’s really a key ingredient to giving these dishes their ultimate flavor.
Here are a few reasons why I love vanilla besides it’s taste:
- Anti-Inflammation: Vanillin is a natural antioxidant and is what gives vanilla beans their distinctive aroma. Preliminary research found that vanilla extract had powerful liver-protective abilities and anti-inflammatory abilities (due to the vanillin content), and when treated with vanillin.
- Antioxidant Rich: Contains antioxidants protect our bodies from damage from harmful components like toxins and free radicals. Research has found that vanilla extract contains 26 to 90 percent of the antioxidants of unprocessed vanilla, depending on the type of antioxidant and the concentration of the extract. So vanilla has health and food preserving properties as well.
- Promotes Healthy Digestion: Vanilla-infused herbal tea can soothe inflammation in the gut and can also help treat nausea.Be sure to steer clear of artificial vanilla, which is made with pure vanillin diluted with water, and alcohol. Even though the vanillin is chemically identical to that found in real vanilla, it’s being extracted from coal tar (or wood pulp), as a by-product of paper production and extremely inexpensive to produce.
Try buying an organic brand from your local health store or market, and never hesitate to ask advice on which brands are the best quality.
It’s time to boost your beauty, vibrancy, energy, and gorgeous self with this hydrating and age-defying beauty dessert– so let’s get to it!
Prepare ingredients.
For the chocolate layer: Add coconut milk into saucepan.
Next, add the cacao powder.
Add the dark chocolate chips.
Add the arrowroot powder, maple syrup and salt in a saucepan, whisking frequently until boiling. Remove from the heat and add vanilla. Set aside to cool.
For vanilla layer: In second pan add coconut milk.
Add the arrowroot powder.
Add the coconut shavings.
Add the maple syrup and whisk frequently until boiling.
Remove from heat and add the salt and vanilla until fully combined. Set aside and allow to cool.
Layer chocolate and vanilla puddings in small serving bowl. Top with coconut and dark chocolate shavings. Enjoy!
How to Make this Delicious Pudding Below…
- Chocolate Layer
- 3 cups coconut milk
- ⅓ cup cacao powder
- ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips
- 4 tablespoons arrowroot powder
- ¾ cup maple syrup
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Vanilla Layer
- 3 cups coconut milk
- ⅔ cup ground coconut shavings
- 4 tablespoons arrowroot powder
- ¾ cup maple syrup
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Combine coconut milk, cacao, dark chocolate, arrowroot powder, maple syrup and salt in a saucepan whisk frequently until boiling.
- Remove heat and add in vanilla. Set aside and allow to cool.
- In second pan combine coconut milk, coconut shavings, arrowroot powder, maple syrup, and in a saucepan whisk frequently until boiling.
- Remove heat and add in vanilla. Set aside and allow to cool.
- Layer chocolate and vanilla puddings in small serving bowl.
- Top with coconut and dark chocolate shavings. Enjoy!
All my love,
Kimberly
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