Chocolate Chia Pudding

There are a lot of different ways to make chia pudding. In this post I present 2 similar chocolate versions.  In this pudding, the chia seeds expand to create a lovely bubbly texture.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• Variation #1: 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder 
• Variation #2: 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder AND 2 heaping tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon (use 1/2 tsp for a stronger cinnamon flavour)
• 1 1/4 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 2 large medjool dates, pitted and finely diced (use 3 or 4 dates if you want a sweeter pudding)

Directions:

1) In a small bowl*, combine chia seeds, cocoa (and coconut if Variation #2), and cinnamon.  Stir to combine.

2) Add almond milk**. Stir until well incorporated.

3) Add diced medjool dates, a few at a time, stirring as you go. Stir until ingredients are well mixed. (If your container has a lid, you can shake it to combine!)

5) Place in fridge overnight.

6) Before serving, stir well.  (The first time I made this, I didn't realize that the diced dates mostly sank to the bottom!)

*I used a "cup-like" tupperware container with a lid that holds about 500mL liquid
**Feel free to substitute some of the almond milk with coconut milk (especially if you want a stronger coconut flavour in Variation #2)

chia seeds, cocoa powder, cinnamon, coconut

diced medjool dates

almond milk and dates added to dry ingredients

stir well and put in fridge!

ready to serve, garnished with raspberries!