I.T. disaster and serious sense of humour failure over at Natural HQ! If it wouldn’t make such a mess I would take a sledge hammer to my laptop. Technology makes life so much easier when it works and so much harder when it fails, but it’s a risk we happily take. Just why is it that everything has to fail at the same time? This week, the dishwasher has also given up the ghost. That’s a good thing as it’s the same dishwasher that once had a cockroach nest inside the front panel. I can’t even begin to describe the mental trauma involved. Although I was reassured that everything roach related was obliterated, I have never quite forgiven it. So goodbye you disgusting beast and hello shiny new appliance!

After nearly ten years in Bermuda, I should be roach savvy by now. Sadly, although I am at one with the mould and humidity hair, I haven’t overcome my fear of large, flying bugs. It does fade in comparison to the positives though. Yesterday after school I took the girls to Warwick Long Bay and we spent an hour combing the sand and looking for shells. It was perfect weather — sunny but breezy and cool. And I had one of those moments of sudden clarity and appreciation. Amidst all the domestic madness and mundane moments of life, it’s easy for me to forget that these treasures are literally on our doorstep. I tried to explain to Chloe that we live in a place that thousands of people pay to visit for just a few precious days or weeks a year, but it flew over her sweet six year old head. It will come in time, I know.

I’ve also been excited about Bermuda-grown produce lately too, especially as the avocados and loquats keep falling. I was given the biggest avocado I have ever seen by my neighbour and used half of it to make guacamole. As guacamole is possibly my favourite food of all time, I was appalled when my kids didn’t like it. What was wrong with them?! So, determined to get a little bit of this amazing fruit into them, I made an avocado chocolate pudding. This one was a winner.

You might have seen recipes for avocado chocolate mousse online and they are usually all delicious. I prefer to call it a “pudding” as it’s not quite as light or bubbly as a mousse. It is smooth and creamy though — and a great way of getting in some good plant-based fats. Naturally dairy free, it’s a good option for vegans or those who are dairy sensitive too. Just one note — as the chocolate disguises the avocado going brown, I would make and eat this on the spot rather than refrigerating for days.

Avocado chocolate pudding

Ingredients:

1 very ripe, large avocado

¼ cup cocoa powder

¼ cup brown rice syrup or maple syrup

¼ cup plain almond milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

Chill the avocado and milk. Pop all ingredients in a blender and whizz until completely smooth. Serve and enjoy! It’s that easy.

The advice given in this article is not intended to replace medical advice, but to complement it. Always consult your GP if you have any health concerns. Catherine Burns BA Hons, Dip ION is the Managing Director of Natural Ltd and a fully qualified Nutritional Therapist trained by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in the UK. Please note that she is not a Registered Dietitian. For details, please go to www.natural.bm or call 236-7511. Join Catherine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nutrifitandnaturalnutritionbermuda