I-Can't-Believe-It's-Healthy Microwave Chocolate Pudding

by Erika Szymanski
(Seattle, WA, USA)

This is my microwavable, low-fat version of my grandmother's stove-top chocolate pudding. It can be a bit thinner than the original, depending on which milk you choose, but this makes it an awesome chocolate apple dip!

1 1/4 cup non-fat milk or soy-milk
1/4 tablespoon non-fat milk or soy-milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
1/4 cup mild-flavored honey
1 teaspoon vanilla

In a 4-cup microwavable liquid measure or other microwavable oversize bowl (please make sure it's oversize!) heat 1 1/2 cups of the milk of your choice just until it begins to bubble. Watch closely to avoid boil-overs! Stir, then set aside to cool slightly while performing the next step.

In a separate bowl, make a paste out of 1/4 tablespoon of the milk, the cocoa powder, and the cornstarch or arrowroot. Stir this paste into the hot milk, stirring carefully to avoid lumps. Stir in the honey and taste, adding more honey if a sweeter pudding is desired.

Return the mixture to the microwave and heat just until the mixture begins to bubble, but stopping the microwave before it boils. Stir, add the vanilla extract, and stir again. Cover and refrigerate until cool.