I Am Thankful For. . . Chocolate Pumpkin Pots de Creme (Vegan, Dairy Free, Sugar Free)
[This is the final recipe I have to share from this year's Thanksgiving feast--but what a way to end off the meal! We also had an interesting savory oat-stuffed squash, which I posted on my Facebook page if you're interested. 
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I do seem to be on a “pumpkin and chocolate” kick these days. I think it’s a throwback to my childhood Halloweens, when those two items always went together. Chocolate, more chocolate, topped with a few chunks of chocolate, coated in a sheath of chocolate, served up with a side of chocolate. Oh, and a plastic pumpkin used for collecting. . . . chocolate.
These days, my pumpkin is real and often home-roasted, and my chocolate is fair trade, organic, and unsweetened. But hey–it’s still chocolate.
The combination of pumpkin and sepia sweetness first occurred to me as an offshoot of Ellen Abraham’s genius brownies in Simple Treats. In that recipe, Abraham employs a smidge (isn’t that a great word?) of sweet potato purée to help bind and sweeten the brownies, and to approximate the dense fudginess of egg- and butter-based bars. I loved them and used to bake (and eat) them all the time pre-ACD.
But times change.
While I’ve continued to use sweet potato in my own brownies, I think pumpkin is equally versatile and delicious. And it’s popping up everywhere on blogs these days: pumpkin cupcakes, pumpkin alfredo, pumpkin bread, pumpkin soufflé, pumpkin soup, pumpkin brownie tarts, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin parfait, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin cinnamon rolls and pumpkin chili. Mmmm! I’ve used it, too, in hummus, crumble bars, bread pudding, pumpkin butter, and (just recently) pasta. So it just made sense to combine it with my favorite food, chocolate!
This dessert is sort of like the evil twin of the mousse I posted recently: whereas that earlier version is virtuous and pure, this one is luxuriant and verging on debauchery, with a rich, velvety texture that beguiles. Tradtional pôts de crème are pillowy, light custards suffused with cream. Lighter and smoother than typical custards, they fairly float across the tongue, irresistibly. (For some enticing photos of a true pôt de crème, see this blog post). Not quite as solid as the real thing, this silky, smooth and airy vegan version is so reminiscent that I just had to use the French term. But who cares what we call it? This is one of the most decadent desserts you’ll ever eat.
The pumpkin and chocolate command equal roles in this mousse-like dessert, sharing the flavor spotlight much like chocolate and coffee do in mocha confections. Enhancing the squash is a breath of cinnamon, which adds depth and warmth. The small amount of agave softens the bitterness of the unsweetened chocolate just enough so that stevia can take over from there, resulting in a dark yet rich chocolate intensity.
Overall, the HH and I absolutely adored these. I ended up freezing leftovers so we wouldn’t over-indulge and I plan to use them for some mighty fine ice cream once we’ve had a chance to recover from the chocolate overload. (Okay, let’s be honest: once the HH has a chance to recover from his chocolate overload. There is no such thing where I’m concerned. 
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Because they taste so decadent and contain such healthy ingredients, I’m submitting these babies to Amy’s weekly Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays event. Hop on over and see what else is on the menu this week!
Chocolate Pumpkin Pôts de crème (suitable for ACD Stage 2 or beyond)
from Diet, Dessert and Dogs (http://dietdessertndogs.com)
The key to perfect pôts de crème is to mix the custard in a blender. Even though the pumpkin is already puréed, the blender smooths out the dessert just that much more to create a truly light-as-air treat.
2 Tbsp (30 ml) plain or vanilla rice milk
2 Tbsp (30 ml) agave nectar or maple syrup
2 Tbsp (30 ml) corn starch, tapioca or arrowroot starch
1 cup (240 ml) pumpkin purée, homemade or canned
1 can (12 oz or 400 ml) full fat coconut milk, preferably organic
pinch fine sea salt
1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) cinnamon
1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
20-30 drops plain or vanilla stevia, to your taste
1.5 ounces (55 g) good quality unsweetened chocolate (I use Cocoa Camino)
3/4 tsp (3.5 ml) xanthan gum
In the bottom of a medium-sized pot, whisk together the rice milk and agave. Add the corn starch and whisk until smooth and there are no lumps. Mix in the pumpkin until smooth. Add the coconut milk, salt and cinnamon.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it begins to bubble and thicken; continue to cook, stirring, for one minute and remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla, stevia and chocolate; allow to sit 30 seconds, then stir again until the chocolate is melted and completely blended. Pour into a bowl and allow to cool to room temperature, stirring once or twice during the first five minutes (this will help prevent a “skin” from forming on top; if one develops anyway, don’t worry too much, as everything will be blended later).
Once the mixture has cooled, pour it into a blender and add the xanthan gum. Blend on high until well combined and smooth, then return to the bowl. (It may appear quite liquid at this point–this is fine).
Refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours before spooning or piping into serving dishes; garnish with cacao nibs or shaved chocolate, if desired. The mousse will be soft but should hold a shape. Makes 4-6 servings. Store, covered, in refrigerator up to 4 days. Freeze leftovers for ice cream maker-free ice cream (see my method here).
Last Year at this Time: Baked Blueberry Breakfast Oatmeal Pudding
Two Years Ago: The Parable of the Steak (pre-ACD)
© 2010 Diet, Dessert and Dogs
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This looks absolutely divine.
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The pic’s for this recipe are making my mouth water. Looks amazing Ricki! You are so creative :O)
Can I come over for dessert??? Lol.
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Ricki Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 7:02 am
Jamie, you’re welcome any time!:)
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Love pudding and this one is even better with these two star ingredients pumpkin & chocolate = bliss! YUMMMM
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These sound and look amazing. I love the swirl effect you got in the glasses.
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Ricki Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 7:02 am
Thanks so much! It wasn’t intentional–but hey.
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Holy cow! I don’t care what they’re called, they sound amazing! I’m definitely going to keep this in mind for my Thanksgiving planning.
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Oh my…I cannot wait to try this one, Ricki! It sounds amazing!
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Wow, these look awesome! Bookmarked!!
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Wow. This looks so delicious!!
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Oh yes, this sounds fantastic!
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Oh, these pots de creme are absolutely delicious looking! And so simple
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I’m crazy for pumpkin season! These sound so great and I’ve been craving pudding. I’ve got to try this one out!
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Ricki Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 7:03 am
It’s sort of a cross between a pudding and whipped cream. . . very easy to eat!
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Wow, Ricki! You have really outdone yourself on this one.
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chocolate, pumpkin, coconut milk and maple syrup – I’m in – I agree that chocolate and pumpkin are a fine pairing (thanks for the link)
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Ricki Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 7:04 am
They are perfect buddies in this dessert! And my pleasure.
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I am as impressed with the recipe as I am with the presentation. Beautiful!!
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Wow~ that is absolutely mouth watering! And a lovely presentation!!
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I love the way the mousse looks in the glasses! What a perfect way to serve a beautiful dessert.
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Does this taste as good as it looks???!!!!
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Ricki Reply:
October 21st, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Better.
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ooh, how fabulous! and whaddya know, i just picked up some coconut milk
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These look amazing! And you photos are beautiful. I may just have to make these pots de dcreme for my US Thanksgiving feast. So glad to have found your blog.
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everything about these sounds absolutely awesome, Ricki! pumpkin, coconut milk, & chocolate – sign me up!
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They are so beautiful! I would have a hard time eating one because I wouldn’t want to mess up the pretty swirls! Eventually I would have to destroy it and devour it though.
Are you still campaigning to get on the Ellen show? I am making her a little crafty turkey to send her, via snail mail, along with a letter asking her to have you on the show. A vegan can’t ignore a thankful turkey, right? She can ignore intangible emails but she can’t ignore a crafty turkey, can she? Her assistant wouldn’t just throw the crafty turkey in the trash, would they? Either way she’s getting a crafty turkey and a petition!
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Ricki Reply:
October 25th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Hey River,
How could she possibly refuse your amazing crafty talents?? I do hope you’ll share a photo once the turkey is done! And THANK YOU so much for your unending support–you are the best! xoxo
YES! I am still campaigning! You are my hero, seriously.
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Delicious perfection! I must try this! Thanks for the mention too!
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Ricki these sound and look amazing! You’re a superstar. And thank you so much for linking to my pumpkin bread recipe! Can you call me when you’re making the ice cream version. I can be there in time for the first scoop! I’ll bring Ringo so he can entertain the girls. He’s crazy but lovable.
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Ricki Reply:
October 25th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Loved that pumpkin bread recipe!
I’ll be sure to holler when the ice cream is being made. And I’d love to meet Ringo!
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looks DEELISH!!! I have to try and remember to make this one!
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Ricki! Your creativity astounds me. This is beautiful.
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[...] Lemon Pyramid Cakes Rawfully Tempting: The Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Brownie Diet, Dessert and Dogs: Chocolate Pumpkin Pots de Creme (Sugar [...]
Yuuum! Just wanted to let you know that I posted these fabulous looking pudding pots to My Favorite Recipes from Last week post! I’m thankful too
~Aubree Cherie
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[...] The key to perfect pôts de crème is to mix the custard in a blender. Even though the pumpkin is already puréed, the blender smooths out the dessert just that much more to create a truly light-as-air treat. Get the full recipe! [...]
[...] Rickie at Diet, Desserts and Dogs [...]
Just made this and it is truly amazing. Rich, creamy, and just enough chocolate to satisfy. I subbed 4-1/2 TB Dagoba unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 TB coconut oil for the chocolate since I was out. Also skipped the cinnamon since I’m one of those (admitedly few) who don’t like cinnamon in their chocolate. Wow! I’ll make this for a special event, put it in a GF pie shell for a cream pie, and who knows what else…
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Thanks for the link love! I hadn’t yet ventured into fall yet this year because it had been so warm still. Until this week with it’s rain and chill and snow in the mtns. And so I had my first craving for soup – and pumpkin corn muffins. Ahhh. So tasty. The pumpkin and pasta sounds good to me too even though I have still been finishing up with summer and the basil and tomatoes this week.
And I now I have been thinking up another pumpkin and chocolate recipe… I just hope the real cold and snow stays away long enough to let my little pumpkins fully ripen!
Thanks again, my dear.
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Ricki Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 10:01 am
My pleasure! Hope that new concoction works out for you. . . looking forward to it.
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Ricki, your photos seriously turned out absolutely gorgeous! I hope you are submitting these to Tastespotting and FoodGawker!! This recipe sounds absolutely divine. I have all of the ingredients and I think it would be a perfect ending to my pumpkin pasta that I am making tomorrow night!
Thank you SO much for linking to my Pumpkin pancake recipe too!! So much appreciated!
Huge hugs!
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Ricki Reply:
October 8th, 2011 at 8:56 pm
Thanks, Kim! I did submit it to them and they accepted it (yay!). And huge hugs right back at you.
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[...] pies, casseroles and other labor-intensive, slow-cooking main courses. I think of rich, creamy, mousse-like desserts and sticky, sweet, flaky-crusted pies. I think of au gratin vegetable bakes, Brussels sprouts, [...]
Gorgeous & guilt-free!
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