Chocolate chia seed pudding

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding is a year round breakfast or snack option at our house. It has regular attendance on the Meredith family breakfast menu plan.

The reason for that is because chia seed pudding is:

• nutritious - packing in protein, healthy fats, fiber, phytonutrients

• delicious - you can make a vanilla version too, but the chocolate is divine and kids love it

• easy - you can make this ahead the night before for a grab and go breakfast option

• versatile - other than differing flavors, you can add lots of different toppings, too!

Here's the recipe, but be sure to check the notes below for some tips on ingredients and topping recommendations!

CHOCOLATE CHIA SEED PUDDING

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons cacao powder

• 4 tablespoons maple syrup

• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cup milk (dairy or dairy-free, we use raw milk)

• 0.5 cup chia seeds

  
  

Instructions:

1. Mix the cacao. powder and maple syrup in a large mixing bowl with a whisk.

2. Once mixed, add in the vanilla extract and gradually add in the milk.

3. Then, stir in the chia seeds. Mixture will be thin at first.

4. Let the mixture sit for 20-30 minutes, then give it one more stir to reincorporate the chia seeds.

5. Cover and let mixture sit overnight, or at least 4 hours. Mixture will thicken like pudding.

TIPS:

Using great quality ingredients really bumps up the nutrient density.

• Using cacao powder instead of cocoa powder increases the minerals and phytonutrients.

• Using real maple syrup also increases minerals and phytonutrients. Skip "pancake syrup".

• Using raw milk is good for your gut and provides enzymes, but other options could be: whole organic milk, organic coconut milk (check ingredients).

Topping ideas:

Seasonal fruit, granola, sliced almonds or pecans, hemp hearts, whipped cream.

I hope you enjoy this healthy recipe! I'd love to know if you try it!

Wishing you abundant health, Melisha