Almond Joy , Chia Pudding

I love my chocolate.  Like many people I often want a little chocolate every day after lunch or dinner.  I recently tried some Chocolate Chia Pudding, and found an answer to my craving problem.  Here is a  way to have my chocolate treat that is  nutritious and delicious;   Even Steve likes it, and he isn't a big dessert eater. Not only is it "comfort food tasty", but the Chia seeds work a little like an appetite suppressant, leaving you feeling full and not craving something for quite a while.  Here is a good link to the benefits and uses of Chia Seeds.

I have made up some Chia Pudding every other day all week long.  We are feeling the benefits.  I make up a big batch, and we have a few spoonfuls when we want a snack, or a little bowl full when we want a dessert.  It takes about 5 minutes to make.  I played with a lot of different recipes and  came up with this one, which we liked  the best.  It has chocolate for that chocolate craving,  coconut milk and shredded coconut for your coconut benefits, and almond milk and almond extract to complete the ingredients for an Almond Joy flavor that I often long for.  It is sugar free, and a wonderful way to have your sweet treat without all the sweet if you know what I mean.  All of these ingredients are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, so it is truly a healthy snack or dessert.  It is also Trim Healthy Mama Friendly.  Use the Coconut Cream for an S meal and the Coconut Milk for an E meal.

 Little seeds, lots of goodness.

Put 1/2 cup Chia Seeds in a bowl.

Pour in 1 1/2 cups Almond milk

Stir together well.

Add 1 can of Coconut Milk, 1 teaspoon Vanilla or Almond extract  and

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded Coconut

Mix and add

1/4 cup Cocoa and 1/2  cup Xylitol (or sugar of choice; adjust to your own taste)

Stir…..

Until all is well mixed.

Spoon into dessert dishes;

Garnish with Almonds and shredded Coconut.

  Enjoy!

Almond Joy Chia Pudding

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Chia Seeds

1 1/2 cups Almond Milk (unsweetened)

1 12 oz can  Coconut Cream (or 1 1/2 cup).

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded Coconut

1/2 cup Xylitol,  (or any sweetener you like)

1/4 cup Cocoa

1 teaspoon Vanilla or Almond Extract

For Garnish: Roasted, sliced almonds, shredded coconut

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients together in the order listed.  The Chia Seeds begin to swell in 10 minutes, and make the most wonderful pudding like texture.  Allow to soak 15 minutes to 2 hours: It gets thicker the longer it sits.  Keep in the refrigerator for the week and enjoy.   Here is a great link about the uses and benefits of Chia Seeds.  If you want to make this a Trim Healthy Mama E meal (low fat), Use more almond milk in place of the Coconut Cream, and use only  3/4 cup instead of 1 1/2 cups).

Does anyone remember the Chia Pet?  I had one when I was a kid.  I just recently realized that it was the same seed.  We didn't know in those days that it was good for you, it was just a novelty to make it grow on the clay animal.

Have a great weekend everyone and don't forget to enjoy your chocolate.