Chia Puddings: Chocolate Blackberry and Vanilla Banana

"Chi Chi Chia.."



Who would have thought that the fad gift of the Chia Pet would end up being the source of a superfood decades later? But it's true. Chia Seeds are an amazing food that you should add to your diet!

This edible seed which comes from the mint family has some great nutritional benefits. They are an excellent source of essential fatty acids (they have more Omega-3's than flax seeds) which can improve hair, skin, nails, memory, concentration and brain function. How can you argue with something that improves brain function....and hair?

Chia seeds are filled with fiber. They swell greatly when you add them to liquid. This not only makes you feel full faster causing you to eat less but it reduces cravings, aids in digestion and helps stabilize blood sugar. Chia seeds are also loaded with protein, calcium, vitamins and antioxidants. Unlike flax, you don't have to grind them up. They are shelf-stable, gluten-free and easy to use.

Because they swell with liquid, they can take on the flavor of whatever you soak them in. I bought a bag of chia seeds and it sat on my shelf for a couple of months before I decided to try a dessert with them. Yes, a dessert.

Actually I ended up making 2 desserts. I made a Chocolate Blackberry Chia Pudding for Tom and a Vanilla Banana Chia Pudding for myself. They were both amazing. Tom said they were reminiscent of rice pudding but since I have never tasted rice pudding (or tapioca pudding), I had to take his word for it. But I could tell for myself that it made a refreshing, flavorful and filling dessert that takes just minutes to make (not counting the setting time).

Instead of sugar, I used fresh dates in the pudding. I used 4 but I don't like sweets so if you like things sweet, use more. The blackberries we got were pretty tart but Tom said he liked it that way and not to add more sugar. Again, that would be up to your individual taste. Any fruit could be used; we just happened to have blackberries. The pinch of salt is essential to bring out the flavor of the chocolate.

This is a dessert I have already made several times. You can also add cocoa powder to the banana version and skip the berries. I made this version too for an amazing chocolate banana chia pudding. There are endless varieties for this. But whichever you choose, you can feel good knowing that your dessert is not only delicious but healthy! Enjoy!

Chocolate Blackberry Chia Pudding

2 cups lite coconut milk
1 pint fresh blackberries
2 tsp. pure vanilla
4 - 6 dates, chopped
3 Tbs. cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
A pinch of sea salt
½ cup chia seeds
Berries or other fruit, for garnish

In a food processor, combine the milk, blackberries, vanilla, dates, cocoa powder, cinnamon and sea salt. Process until smooth.

Pour the mixture into a bowl. Add the chia seeds and stir until there are no lumps and all the seeds are moist. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until it thickens. The longer you let it sit, the thicker it will get.

Serve in dessert bowls and garnish with fresh fruit, if desired. Each recipe makes 4 servings.

Vanilla Banana Chia Pudding

2 cups lite coconut milk
2 bananas, chopped
2 tsp. pure vanilla
4 - 6 dates, chopped
3 Tbs. cocoa powder (optional)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
A pinch of sea salt
½ cup chia seeds
Berries or other fruit, for garnish

In a food processor, combine the milk, bananas, vanilla, dates, cocoa powder (if using), cinnamon and sea salt. Process until smooth.

Pour the mixture into a bowl. Add the chia seeds and stir until there are no lumps and all the seeds are moist. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until it thickens.

Serve in dessert bowls and garnish with fresh fruit, if desired. Each recipe makes 4 servings.

The "V" Word: Say it. Eat it. Live it.