TWO CREAMY CAPPUCCINO PUDDINGS AND MY SAD TALE

It's been ages since I blogged-- 2 months, actually.  I have been battling with nerve pain from a case of shingles for about 4 months now.  I haven't mentioned it because it's not exactly a pleasant subject. It's not that I can't function, but it does affect my productivity and energy level.  I hope to be back experimenting and writing before too long.

Until then, here I offer you two easy and delicious puddings that I developed for my old Vegan Feast newsletter.  Either one will make a pleasant ending to a meal, or even a tasty afternoon pick-me-up.

Printable version of both recipes

       BRYANNA'S CHAI CAPPUCCINO PUDDING

Serves 4

This spicy and unusual pudding would make a nice light dessert to follow a rich Indian meal, or any meal, really.

1/2 cup creamy nondairy milk

1/2 cup extra-firm silken tofu (can be Lite [reduced fat] variety)

1 cup strong chai tea (unsweetened)

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 pinch salt

Your favorite vegan whipped topping

Garnish: cinnamon sugar and cinnamon sticks for garnish

Whip the creamy nondairy milk and tofu together to make a smooth cream, using a hand immersion blender, or blender. Add the chai, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.

Scrape the mixture into a microwavable 1 1/2 quart bowl or pitcher and microwave at full power for 1 minute. Whisk and cook 1 more minute, or until thickened and translucent. Whisk in the vanilla. 

  Alternatively, you can cook the pudding, stirring constantly, in a small heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until thickened and translucent. 

Pour the mixture into 4 small pudding dishes, tea cups, or cappuccino cups. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours.

Before serving, smooth 2 tablespoons of the whipped topping over the top of each serving of pudding. Sprinkle each with a little cinnamon sugar and insert a small cinnamon stick into each dish. Serve cold.

Nutrition Facts (using Lite [reduced fat] extra-firm silken tofu)

Nutrition (per serving): 214.1 calories; 21% calories from fat; 5.5g total fat; 0.0mg cholesterol; 150.6mg sodium; 225.1mg potassium; 37.1g carbohydrates; 1.4g fiber; 28.9g sugar; 5.7g protein.

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BRYANNA'S CREAMY CAPPUCCINO PUDDING

Serves 4

This is good enough for company-- a perfect light dessert after an Italian meal.

1/2 cup nondairy milk

1/2 cup extra-firm silken tofu (can be Lite [reduced fat] variety)

1 cup strong espresso coffee (unsweetened)
(The espresso should preferably be freshly-made, but it can be made from a good Italian instant espresso powder, such as Ferrara, Medaglio D'Oro, Café Bustelo or King Arthur.)

1/3 cup unbleached sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 pinch salt

1 tsp vanilla

OPTIONAL: 1 tablespoon liqueur (such as Amaretto, or any that you prefer)

Your favorite vegan whipped topping

Garnish: grated dark chocolate, or cinnamon, or cocoa powder for garnish

Whip the soymilk and tofu together to make a smooth cream, using a hand immersion blender, or blender. Add the coffee, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.

Scrape the mixture into a microwavable 1 1/2 quart bowl or pitcher and microwave at full power for 1 minute. Whisk and cook 1 more minute, or until thickened and translucent. Whisk in the vanilla, and optional liqueur, if using.

Alternatively, you can cook the pudding, stirring constantly, in a small heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until thickened and translucent.

Pour the mixture into 4 small pudding dishes, small glass coffee mugs, or cappuccino cups. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours.

Before serving, smooth 2 tablespoons of the whipped topping over the top of each serving of pudding. Sprinkle each with a little grated dark chocolate, cinnamon, or cocoa powder. Serve cold.

Nutrition Facts (using Lite [reduced fat] extra-firm silken tofu)

Nutrition (per serving): 178.1 calories; 26% calories from fat; 5.7g total fat; 0.0mg cholesterol; 155.8mg sodium; 261.4mg potassium; 26.9g carbohydrates; 1.4g fiber; 19.0g sugar; 5.8g protein.

Enjoy!