Cha, Cha, Cha, Chia Pudding

While my roommate and I were planning to do a Whole30 program as a reset during quarantine, I kept seeing chia pudding recipes all over the place. Turns out, it is DELICIOUS and a great way to meal prep for a few days with something you will look forward to eating. Here is my most favorite chia pudding recipe - tastes just like a PB&J!

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of non-dairy milk

• 2 tbsp of chia seeds

• 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract

• 1/4 tsp of cinnamon

• 1/2 banana

• 1-2 tbsp of nut butter or a powdered alternative

How To

The day before you are wanting to try this recipe, I would mix ½ cup of the non-dairy milk with the chia seeds. I actually prefer coconut milk with this recipe, because it adds a little natural sweetness to the "PB&J." However, I have also tried this recipe with almond milk, and it is just as good. Truly, it depends on your personal preference. Then, add the vanilla extract and cinnamon. Stir this together and let it sit overnight. I like to put mine in a sealed mason jar or small tupperware container. I have found that you need to give the mixture at least 8-12 hours to sit in the refrigerator. The longer it sits, the fluffier the mixture becomes. I have gotten in a rhythm of meal prepping on a Sunday night/Monday morning and enjoying the pudding on Tuesday morning.

The morning I am eating this recipe, I add in the mashed banana and my favorite nut butter. Again, if I am wanting to be more full for longer or am eating very early, I will use actual nut butter. On the other hand, if this is a snack or late breakfast, I will add 2 tablespoons of powdered peanut butter for the nut taste without all the filling oils. This is how the pudding will look when you take it out of the refrigerator!

Then, for the "cherry" on top, I enjoy throwing a ⅓ cup of blueberries in the pudding while I am eating or 2 tablespoons of cacao nibs for an extra crunch! While the look takes a time or two to get used to, I think you will all be pleasantly surprised how delicious this cha, cha, cha, chia pudding can really be!