Chia seeds have been described as a functional superfood. I’m always looking for additional ways to use them. Chia is the common name for Salvia hispanica, a species of flowering plant in the mint family. The 16th century Codex Mendoza reported that chia was grown and eaten by Aztec cultures in pre-Columbian times. The seeds are tiny, about one millimeter in diameter, and range from black to white in color. Because they have little taste on their own, they can be added to almost anything from waffles and cereal through beverages and desserts to soup.

This recipe is for an uncooked pudding that can be served cold with almost any type of fruit.

Ingredients (serves 4-8 depending on size of serving)

• 3 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup chia seeds, light or dark
• ½ cup natural sweetening (maple syrup, honey)
• 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
• ¼ to ½ tsp cinnamon depending on taste
• Pinch of sea salt

Preparation

Combine all ingredients in large bowl.

Mix well until mixture is very smooth.

Let sit in bowl at room temperature for about half an hour.

Cover and refrigerate for several hours until thoroughly cool.

Serving

Remove from refrigerator.

Spoon into small dessert dishes.

Top with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or any other type of fruit.

Enjoy.

Nutrition Comments

Look up chia seeds on the internet and you will find a plethora or nutritional information. They are touted as a superfood containing healthy omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, calcium, and almost as many antioxidants as are found in blueberries.