Recipe: Chia Seed Pudding

This Chia Seed Pudding is pretty enough to serve on Valentine's Day. I used good-for-you gelatin and chia seeds. If you don't know anything about chia seeds, or salvia hispanica, then you should get to know them! Chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are the good fats. They lower blood pressure and help you to feel full faster so they aid in weight loss. When soaked in liquid, chia seeds release a gel, much like aloe vera gel. This is when you get the full benefit from them, although they definitely can be eaten raw or in dry foods. If you don't yet have chia seeds, you can make this pudding without them; it has a sweet vanilla flavor.

Ingredients:
1 c. water
1 TBS. gelatin
½ c. honey
2 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 TBS. chia seeds

In a small saucepan, heat the water over medium and stir in the gelatin until it dissolves. Then, add in the honey. Just heat it until the honey melts and mixes in well. Do not boil.

Pour the liquid into a large bowl. Whisk in the milk and vanilla. Add the chia seeds. They will float to the top.

Put the bowl in the refrigerator for 2 hours. At this time, stir the pudding. The chia seeds will have formed like a pancake on top, but they will break up and incorporate throughout the pudding as you stir. Stick it back in the fridge for 2 more hours so it can finish setting up. It is now ready to serve.

Serve with real whipped cream and berries, if desired. Serves 4.

Printable: Chia Seed Pudding