Festive Eggnog Pudding

You do not want to miss out on this delicious, nutrient-packed, festive eggnog pudding that is egg and dairy free and made with…tofu! Unlike the eggnog and pudding you typically find at the grocery store (full of sugar, inflammatory oils, additives, and questionable ingredients), this recipe is made of whole, unprocessed ingredients, is low in sugar and packed with protein, healthy fats and tons of nutrients. It is also one of the simplest desert recipes you will ever make! It does take a few hours to set though, so be sure to make it in advance.  

Ingredients

• 1 package (300g) of soft organic tofu. Medium will also work if soft is not available.

• 1 cup of raw cashews*

• 2/3 cup of non-dairy milk (I used Silk unsweetened organic soy milk) 

• 4-5 tbs. maple syrup (adjust to taste)

• 4 tbs. chia seeds

• 1.5 tsp. vanilla

• 2 tsp. cinnamon (Ceylon if available)

• 1 tsp. nutmeg

• ½ tsp. cardamom (optional)

Instructions

• Place the cashews in a glass measuring cup and cover with boiling water. Let sit for at least 5-10 minutes.

• Drain the water from the cashews and add to a high speed blended along with all the other ingredients. 

• Blend on high for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. Ensure all the cashews are thoroughly blended and the mixture is smooth. 

• Pour the mixture into serving bowls or a container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. 

• Serve with whip cream (I like this recipe) or simply garnish with nutmeg. The recipe makes approximately 6 servings.

• Enjoy! 

*If you prefer not to use cashews you can substitute them for a can of coconut milk. If you do, omit the soy milk and add a 1-2 extra tablespoons of chia seeds. 

Concerned about eating soy? 

Don’t be! As someone who believes 100% in evidence-based nutrition, I have done my research. Soy (assuming you are choosing organic, non-GMO and minimally processed options) is full of protein and nutrients. The phytoestrogens that so many are afraid of are actually extremely health promoting and have been found to help protect against breast cancer and other chronic diseases. Phytoestrogens are 1000x weaker than estrogen. Dairy, on the other hand, contains mammalian estrogen. Soy beans, tempeh, tofu, soy curls and unsweetened soy milk are all healthy choices. Try to avoid processed foods that contain soy isolate and other processed derivatives of soy. 

I hope you enjoy the recipe!