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Saanich mayor shares plant-based dessert recipe ahead of holiday season

Residents encouraged to spend holidays at home amid pandemic
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Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes is encouraging residents to follow pandemic safety protocols and cook up some healthy treats this holiday season. (Photo courtesy Fred Haynes)

Looking for new, tasty recipes to try out at home this holiday season? Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes is sharing a personal favourite to encourage residents to cook up a healthy holiday treat at home amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the jolly season approaches, Haynes is breaking out family favourites like a “delicious” vegan chocolate pudding recipe inspired by the plant-based cookbook, Oh She Glows Every Day by Angela Liddon. The cocoa-flavoured treat uses sweet potato as a base to make a thick, veggie-filled pudding that can be served with unlimited toppings and is, he said.

READ ALSO: Mayor worries Saanich ‘poker grinches’ will steal holiday season

Vegan chocolate pudding

To start, cook one sweet potato in a medium-sized pot of water until it’s soft then let it cool for a few minutes.

Next, add one and 1/4 cups of the cooked sweet potato to a food processor with 1/3 cup of pure maple syrup and blend. Once the mixture is smooth, add in 1/3 cup of unsweetened almond milk, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, a couple of tablespoons of nut butter, a tablespoon of coconut oil, a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Once fully combined, transfer the pudding to a container and refrigerate overnight to thicken.

The pudding can be served on its own but Haynes recommends adding a variety of toppings.

From whipped cream to fruit – “they sky’s the limit.” The Haynes family enjoys adding mint leaves and fresh raspberries or a berry sauce.

READ ALSO: Saanich mayor shares recipe for lemon vegetable kebabs ahead of grilling season


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