Recipe - Chia Pudding

I have been struggling with breakfast lately. I've eaten a lot of overnight oats in the last 5 years, so much, that I need a break. I had started making steel cut oats, which I LOVE, but currently, I find myself facing terrible heartburn when I eat them. So, I've been trying to find an easy (like, super easy) breakfast that will help me feel satisfied and I know I can commit to making regularly.

Enter - Chia Pudding.

My husband, JP, loves to put chia seeds in his smoothies, I don't care for the texture it creates so I was a bit hesitant, I admit, to give this a try. After one meal, I was in love. The flavor of chia is mild so you really get to experience whatever you top it with. The texture is lovely too, so creamy, with a pleasant crunch. Reminiscent of eating kiwi seeds (though sadly without that amazing sweetness that comes with kiwi seeds.) This pudding is interesting, EASY, and versatile. Even with a family this is super easy. Instead of making all servings together, make individual servings in small jars/containers and let your family choose their own toppings.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 TB chia seeds

• 1 cup soy milk (or preferred plant milk)

• Topping - fruit, coconut flakes, chocolate chips (the sky is the limit here)

• 1 tsp sweetener (quality maple syrup, agave nectar...optional)

Directions:

• Add chia seeds, milk, and sweetener (if using) to a container/jar/anything with a top you can close

• Stir well until no longer clumpy

• Let rest for 3 minutes

• Stir again to ensure all clumps are gone

• Place in fridge overnight

• Top with fruit, nuts, cacao powder, chocolate chips...etc. and enjoy!

This makes 2 servings which will keep in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Variations:

• Tropical - crushed canned pineapple with coconut flakes

• S'mores - crushed vegan graham crackers, vegan chocolate chips or cacao powder, drizzle of quality maple syrup

• Almond Joy - cacao powder, coconut flakes, chopped raw almonds

• Berry Blast - strawberries, blueberries, black berries, raspberries (if not in season, thaw frozen berries and toss 'em in!)

• Jersey Summer - sliced peaches (double points for you if you grill them first), drizzle of quality maple syrup

• Pumpkin Pie - canned pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, drizzle of quality maple syrup

Have you made this? Comment below and let me know what you thought, I'd love it if you shared a photo too. What changes did you make? I love how versatile this recipe is, get creative!