Chia Seeds Pudding

Entered in Mountain Rose Herbs Recipe Contest! 5/9/10

Our chia seeds pudding is a delicious and deeply nourishing way to start your day. This protein packed combination of superfoods can be made smooth and creamy or left with a bit of crunch. It provides highly accessible protein and plenty of omega 3 essential fatty acids. It will also help regulate your bowels and satisfy your cravings for something sweet and creamy.

Chia seeds have been used as a power and endurance food for thousands of years in Mexico and South America. The word “chia” is the Mayan word for strength. Warriors and fleet-footed messengers of the Aztec and Mayan civilizations used chia seeds to keep in top shape. Today they are used by runners and athletes who want a clean healthy source of power and endurance.

Chia seeds help to control blood sugar, reduce sugar cravings and promote hydration. They have an amazing ability to absorb water. In under 10 minutes they will absorb 9-12 times their weight in water. Eating these soaked seeds can help you prolong hydration and retain electrolytes, especially during exertion. When the whole seeds are added to water or other liquids they become gelatinous, forming a delightful natural pudding consistency.

This versatile pudding recipe can be used as is or enhanced with different flavors and/or superfood nutrients. Try making it with your favorite a href="http://www.whole-body-detox-diet.com/almond-milk.html">nut milk, seed milk or coconut milk. Add different dried or fresh fruits and spices to meet your tastes. Or go for the ultimate power boost by adding cacao powder, maca powder, goji berries, and other high protein superfoods. All of these amazing superfoods are available online at Mountain Rose Herbs.

Your pudding will be ready to eat within minutes but will still have a little crunch. If you prefer a smoother, creamy texture, let it rest in the refrigerator overnight. The pudding will store well in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you make your chia pudding with the shredded coconut it will come out thick like a bread pudding. If you omit the coconut, it will be thinner and more like a soft, cream pudding. Adjust the amount of milk to create your favorite consistency.

Ingredients: (use organic whenever possible)

1/4 cup Chia seeds

1/4 cup dried coconut, shredded & unsweetened (optional)

1 cup unsweetened almond, hemp or other nut milk

4 dates, pitted

1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean powder

1/8 teaspoon powdered ginger

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Place whole chia and shredded coconut, if using, into a bowl.
2. Put the almond milk, dates, spices and vanilla in the blender and mix until smooth.
3. Pour the blended milk over seeds, stir and let sit for 10-15 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator.
4. Pudding will have a slight crunch after 10 minutes, but will be soft and smooth the next day. Will store for 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
5. Serve cold or at room temperature, topped with fresh fruit, if desired.

Add any of the following superfood nutrition:

1 tablespoon cacao powder

1 teaspoon maca powder

¼ cup goji berries

1 teaspoon bee pollen

1 tablespoon hemp seed

1 teaspoon spirulina

1 teaspoon wheatgrass powder

Serves 1-2

• Try substituting dates with a banana or an apple for sweetener.