Ch-ch-ch-chia!

I originally created this recipe because I was trying to come up with nutrient dense snacks that I could send with the BF for his extremely long days (and nights) at the office.  He's one of those people who forgets to eat, especially when stressed out, so I try to pack him snacks that are higher in calories (healthy calories that is) and that will hold him for hours at a time.  I was pleasantly surprised when I tried the result - a creamy, tangy treat that reminded me of Greek yogurt - but I knew I had whipped up a winner when this text came thru: "This chia pudding is DA BOMB."

What makes chia seeds so great? 

-Fiber! One serving has 1/3 the recommended daily value for adults.

-Omega-3s! Good fats that are important for brain health.

-Calcium! Who needs milk?

-Protein! 4.4 grams per serving.

-Blood sugar stabilizing! Which means fewer "wish I had a snickers" moments in the short run, and a lower chance of diabetes in the long run.  

If only we knew these things years ago, we would have just eaten those green pets before they had a chance to grow hair.  But they were sooooo cute...

 
Ch-ch-ch-chia Pudding
-2 TBSP Chia seeds
-1/2 cup non dairy milk (for a super thick and rich pudding, use full fat coconut milk; for lighter option, try light coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk)
-1 tsp lemon juice
-pinch of lemon zest
-Add ins (optional): fruit butter or jam, fresh berries or chopped fruit, shredded coconut, cacao nibs, chopped nuts... the possibilities are endless.

Pour non dairy milk of choice into small bowl (or small container if you are making for later).  Stir in chia seeds, lemon juice, and lemon zest.  Cover and let sit for 5-10 minutes.  Stir again and top with your choice of add ins and sweetener (if desired).  Enjoy immediately or transfer to an air tight container for storage.  

Raw Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

Packed with natural sugars and healthy fats, these little cookies are my new favorite after- lunch sweet treat. I keep a batch in the freezer and have noticed that they dry out a bit when stored like this, but I think that makes them taste even more like a baked cookie (versus your typical raw energy ball).  Seriously, these cookies taste so much like the baked, less wholesome version that I'm surprised (in a good way) every time I bite into one.

Like many raw treats, this one has limited ingredients (PB, dates, almonds, salt) and comes together in a snap.  Head over to A House in the Hills for the recipe!

Note:  I added a bit more peanut butter than the recipe calls for.  Taste and adjust as you go.

UPDATE: I also made these with almond pulp instead of almonds and they turned out just fine! I'm always happy to find a recipe to use up the mountains of pulp I have in my freezer (from making homemade nut milk).  SCORE.