Thursday, January 28, 2016

Chia Pudding Fun!

@conscious_cooking


One of my favorite power-breakfasts is a Chia Pudding Parfait. Packed with protein, antioxidants, and healthy fats (and naturally sweetened) this little treat is always a winner to provide satiety and a natural nutrient-boost. Yummy breakfasts are an essential part of my monthly 10-day Plant-powered Clean Eating Challenge. This is one of everyone's favorite recipes in the program for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. 


To celebrate this versatile, easy-to-make, and fun-to-eat meal, I started a fun little hashtag project or "party" on Instagram, inviting people to create and share their #chiapudfun. It was so wonderful to see everyone's posts, the colors, flavors and food art. I would love to see your creations too! 

Here's the recipe:

FOR THE NUT MILK
1 cup raw, unsalted nuts of choice (cashews, almonds, pistachios, walnuts, etc)
3 cups filtered water
1-2 pitted medjool dates, or 3 T pure maple syrup
  • Soak the nuts overnight in plenty of filtered water. 
  • Rinse and drain the nuts, discarding the soaking liquid
  • Add all the ingredients to a high speed blender. 
  • Blend until smooth. Note: Cashews don't usually need to be strained through a fine meshed sieve, or muslin nut bag. Other nuts, such as almonds may need to be strained to remove the meal, if you prefer a smooth milk and pudding. 
FOR THE PUDDING - PER PORTION
1 cup nut milk (as above)
3 T chia seeds, white or black

Optional: Add flavor – Cacao, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, matcha, etc
  • Combine in a bowl or a jar, stirring well and let rest for 20 minutes or overnight 
Now, the fun part! 
Dress up your pudding in layers of: 
  1. Fruit or Vegetables – Berries, citrus, banana, kiwi, beets, sweet potato, etc
  2. Creaminess (optional) – Plant-based yogurt / cream / mousse, nut butter, etc
  3. Other toppings – Good-for-you granolapuffed grains, nuts and seeds, etc




Featured below is a selection of beautiful creations from my Instagram hashtag party that some of my IG favorite accounts posted to join in on the fun. Click on each one to see all the ingredients they used! Feel free to continue the party by sharing your own creations on Instagram with the tag  #chiapudfun

Have fun playing with your food! Cx