Whenever I’m hosting a Chinese dinner party, I find that the most challenging task is to select a dessert to put on my menu. Traditionally, Chinese banquets usually finish up with a plate of sliced fruit. It is light, simple, and healthy. However, I do find the concept gets a bit boring over time. Especially after moving to the US and getting used to the dessert-after-dinner routine. On the other hand, I do find most American desserts overly sweet and heavy. I enjoy a rich chocolate cake once in a while. But in general, I like a lighter dessert that wraps up a meal, not one that could replace a meal. That is where the almond tofu comes in handy. Almond tofu, also called annin tofu and almond pudding, is a jelly made with apricot kernel milk and gelatin. The Chinese characters for apricot and almond are the same, so the concept of almond milk can get a bit confusing sometimes, since it can refer to two totally different products.
A traditional almond tofu recipe requires you to purchase apricot kernels, boil and grind them, then press the almond milk from the mixture. The liquid is then sweetened and mixed with a coagulant to make it into dessert. I found this method less appealing because it is quite difficult to find apricot kernels in grocery stores, and the recipe requires quite some time to make. Instead, I took an easier approach, using almond milk and almond extract to shorten the cooking process to 10 minutes. The results turned out great. You could serve the pudding with the berries of your choice and some honey. Personally, I prefer to macerate sliced strawberries in a bit of sugar for a couple hours. The strawberries will turn soft and release some juice, which makes a condensed fruity syrup that is perfect for this dish. This light dessert is perfect for a dinner party because you can prepare it ahead of time. It is fruity, light, and not too sweet. Just the perfect touch to finish up your meal.
More dessert recipes
4-Ingredient No-Churn Black Sesame Ice Cream Ginger Creme Brulee Creamy Red Bean Popsicles White Chocolate Lemon Cupcakes
If you give this recipe a try, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it (once you’ve tried it), and take a picture and tag it @omnivorescookbook on Instagram! I’d love to see what you come up with.
