You’re In For a Treat

Who would have thought people would eat the seeds used to grow “fur” on little terracotta pets? 🎶 Cha-cha-cha-chia🎶 (⬅ click the link to learn about the chia pets story) Not me.

I first heard the word chia in a holiday commercial jingle. Chia pets were first sold about 40 years ago. They were inexpensive. They were kitschy & made great gifts as a stocking stuffer or as a gift exchange.

Fast forward to today and chia is known as a “superfood.” Although chia seed has been grown for centuries, the seed is now a major staple in many kitchens. Including mine.

One of my favorite breakfasts to make is chia pudding. As with many new recipes though, I had a learning curve.

The first time I made it, it was runny. It certainly wasn’t firm like a pudding would be. How the heck did that little seed work to form a pudding?

I had to learn the secret. And I did. Now, I want to share it with you.

Clockwise from Upper Left — Ingredients; Pudding Ready to Eat; Pudding Assembly; Pair w/Avocado Toast; Chia Pudding Layered Look

There are a few little tips to get the consistency right. It also may take a couple of days. Let’s start with the ingredients.

Ingredients — Makes 2 Servings

• Measuring cup
• Container with lid
• 1 c almond milk
• 3 T chia seeds
• 1–2 tsp agave (I highly recommend Madhava Organic Light Agave.)
• Cinnamon (I sprinkle in 10+ little taps from the shaker. Adjust to taste.)

Step 1: Pour the milk into a measuring cup. Let it set out for 5–10 minutes to remove the refrigerator chill (this is tip one).

Step 2: Measure 3 tablespoons chia seeds into the container.

Step 3: Pour 1/3 to 1/2 of the milk into the container. Stir the seeds, making sure they do not clump. Let sit for a few minutes.

Step 4: Pour 1/4 to 1/3 of the milk into the container. Stir the seeds, making sure they do not clump. Add the agave and cinnamon. (If I have red raspberries, I mash them and add too.) Let sit for a few more minutes.

Step 5: Pour the remainder of the milk into the container. Stir the seeds, making sure they do not clump. Put the lid on and place in the refrigerator.

Note: Tip 2 is the gradual pour of the milk. Tip 3 is letting it set for a day or two.

Tip 4 — Stir a few times each day to thicken the pudding. The seeds expand like a gelatin.

Breakfast Time — Assemble the Pudding. Ingredients to Add.

• Blueberries
• Walnuts
• Cereal — I store the “bottom of the bag” cereal that’s normally thrown out, into a container that I keep in the frig. (see photo 3)
• 2 Juice Glasses

Step 1: Spoon 1/4 of the chia into each glass. Top with crushed cereal or nuts and berries.

Step 2: Repeat step one.

Step 3: The Chia Pudding is ready to eat. Yum!

BONUS: We like to pair avocado toast with the chia pudding. It makes for a “hot and cold” breakfast.

Avocado spread:

• 1/2 avocado, mashed with 1/4 of a lime, squeezed
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 scallion, minced
• 3–4 slices of jalapeno, minced (seeds removed)
• 2 cherry tomatoes, sliced & minced (seeds removed)
• ground black pepper to taste
• a pinch or two of dried celery or cilantro leaves (or fresh leaves, minced)

Mix all ingredients together. Spread onto toast and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.

There you have it — a “hot and cold” breakfast to savor and enjoy.

Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash

Chia Seed Facts

Chia seeds are a member of the mint family, Salvia hispanica.

Highly nutritious. A 1-ounce serving of chia seeds has: 138 calories, 4.7 grams — protein, 8.7 grams — fats, 12 grams — carbohydrates, 9.8 grams — fiber, and a source of omega-3 fatty acids. (Refer to the WebMD article)

May support weight loss, lower your risk of heart disease, and lower blood sugar levels. (Refer to Healthline link)

They contain important bone nutrients — calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium. (Refer to Healthline link)

Eat in moderation. (Refer to the WebMD article)

There are numerous recipes and uses for chia seeds on the internet.

Resources

Chia Pet — learn about Joseph Pedott, the company founder, fun facts & products, and watch the 1984 Chia Pet commercial.

WebMD — Health Benefits

Healthline — Health Benefits

Eat Well! Stay Well! Live Well!