Paleo Holiday Treats:
Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding
This is the season of delicious holiday treats. Cooking and eating paleo allows you to make those holiday treats healthy. Perfect for the season, take full advantage of the plethora of pumpkin patches and leftover pumpkin products that are available during this part of the year. You can do so many things with pumpkin this time of year. I love pumpkin soup, Paleo pumpkin pie and even pumpkin popsicles this time of year.
This recipe calls for chia seeds. In case you are unfamiliar with chia seeds, just know that they are edible seeds that have been used since Mayan times, allegedly as a source of extra genery. In fact, the word “Chia” itself means “strength.”
Now, the seeds are amazing in terms of their nutrient content. The are packed with protein, fiber, omega-3 acids and calcium, among other things.
Are chia seeds good for you?
chia seeds
There are some studies that indicate that chia has different effects on people. Some individuals who consume the seeds claim that their fiber content make them feel fuller quicker. Hence, they include chia in most meals. It is also worth mentioning also that chia seeds do expand and absorb anything in their environment. Therefore, they turn into a jelly-like substance that some people love, and others really do not. They have a nutty flavor, as well. I just want to give you that heads-up before you try the chias.
This is what you will need:
Pudding ingredients
1 cup of pureed pumpkin
2 tsp pumpkin spice
2 tbsp raw honey
1 cup coconut milk
2 tablespoons chia seeds
You can also add these to your holiday treats:
Almond,vanilla, or coconut extract- depending on what flavor you are trying to achieve.
Chopped walnuts for texture
Almonds salted with sea-salt Coconut flakesPROCEDURE:
The chias tend to expand, so you should pour them in the coconut milk. They also tend to stick, so watch them and stir the, or shake them, if needed.
Leave it refrigerated overnight.
Now, the chia seeds will be like jelly, and this will add more consistency to the pudding. Get the rest of the items of the “pudding ingredients” section, mix them together, and then add them to the chia and milk mixture.
ALTERNATIVES
These puddings are AMAZING when eaten frozen. Stuff the pudding on popsicle molds and leave in the freezer overnight. Everything will work perfectly. You will not regret the extra wait.
Tembleque alternative- Tembleque is a coconut-based pudding that forms exactly like gelatin. This is precisely because gelatin and water are added to the recipe, and the pudding is required to boil for 10 more minutes. It is then transferred to a pan, and left overnight in the refrigerator. The only difference between this and pudding is the initial texture of the jello-style surface. It is an interesting way to make your holiday treat pudding more fun to eat.