Chia seed pudding, chia seed pizza, chia seed any and everything. Who would have ever thought that chia seeds would be such a craze? Years ago, these seeds grew furry pets that were given as gifts. Chia seeds are one of the most versatile, healthy, and easy to eat foods. And now they are in and on everything.
Chia means “strength” in the Mayan language, and chia seed was known as “runners’ food” because runners and warriors would use them as fuel while running long distances or during battle to give them energy and endurance. I have used chia gels in smoothies and in my guacamole to name just a couple.
I have found that I use chia seeds all the time. One of my favorites is chia pudding. This pudding can be made from whole chia seeds or they can be ground for a smoother texture. It can be made as simply as chia seeds and milk or add vanilla and honey or get more creative with a variety of flavors and textures.
Add strawberries and serve it at Christmas or any holiday that involves red. Add blueberries and strawberries and you have a patriotic pudding for the warmer summer and fall months. Add a bit of cocoa and bananas…well, you get the idea.
Check out this blog post for all of the nutritional facts about chia and the tiny seed will become one of your new best friends. I like to make a large container and then transfer a serving size with my favorite flavor add-ins to a small jar and have to snacks ready in an instant. Enjoy and be creative!!
Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk (dairy, almond, or coconut) For a thicker pudding use 1 cup of milk
- 1/3 cup chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix all four ingredients in a large bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
- Whisk a few times over the next couple of hours while in the refrigerator to keep the seeds from clumping.
**The thinner pudding can be a refreshing drink. Thinner or thicker are both delicious options. Add additional flavors and enjoy!!
Flavor Possibilities:
Chocolate: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder
Fruit: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen fruit – strawberries, blueberries, banana, raspberries – whatever you like. Place these on top or layer with chia pudding and serve in a glass dish so you can see the layers.
Nuts: Add ¼ cup of your favorite chopped nuts. Combine the nuts and fruit for a dessert type chia pudding.
Sweetener: You can also replace the honey with maple syrup, agave, or any sweetener of your choice.
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