Chocolate Chia Pudding

If you don't know about chia pudding, you're in for a treat. I learned about chia a couple of summers ago and I LOVE IT.  It's full of nutrients and super fun in its gelatin-y, pudding-like form when you soak the seeds in a liquid.  Who knew a seed could do that?

Back to the nutrients...Calcium is the nutrient I'm thinking about this week--look for a calcium post soon-- a tablespoon of chia gives you 6% of your RDA of calcium or approximately 60 miligrams.  Check out the nutrition facts for this recipe....You get 20% of your calcium (in part due to the almond milk), but WOWZA!

The girls like this "kid friendly" simple recipe. It's super easy to make and now that the recipe is on our blog, they can make it themselves.

1 & 1/2 -2  cups unsweetened almond milk (more if your pudding is too thick, it should look a little runny as it will thicken a LOT)
1/3 cup chia seeds
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp pure maple syrup

Mix everything really well and put in the fridge for at least a couple of hours.   

Tip: Blend the chia seeds separately (or with all the ingredients) for less sticking in your teeth!

Here's the facts for 1/4 of this recipe. It's a dessert that is good for you!  (It also is a nice breakfast.)  These nutrition facts are based on eating 1/4 of the recipe.  (If you only eat 1/6th of the recipe you get 13% of your calcium not bad!)

If you feel like it, stick some PB2 in....(probably a couple tablespoons)...  Oh yum... I'm getting hungry just thinking about this!

Read more about chia versus flax here...I'll give a spoiler, they are both super foods!  Read about chia history here.

For more flavors and versions of chia pudding see:
http://www.choosingraw.com/recipes/ch-ch-ch-chia/
http://ohsheglows.com/2012/01/11/healthy-chocolate-chia-pudding/
http://veganyackattack.com/2012/04/01/berrylove-berry-chia-pudding/
http://www.happyhealthylonglife.com/happy_healthy_long_life/2012/02/perfect-pudding.html

Enjoy!