Tropical Chia Pudding

Ever had a Chia Pet? I think I had a Scooby Doo Chia Pet years and years ago. At the time I never would have assumed the seed filled gel I was spreading on the tetta cotta character was good to eat! I just knew it grew a very nice grassy Scooby head.

Chia may be a bit of an acquired taste, although I liked chia seeds from the beginning. I toss it in yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, etc.

Chia seeds were cultivated by the Aztecs and are now considered a ‘super food’. They are high in Omega 3s. They also are billed as a ‘diet’ food because they absorb 10 times their weight in water and help you feel full.

I just think they are fun. Plus they take on the flavor of whatever you soak them in so they easily become fun and delicious puddings or juice drinks with a neat texture.

This pudding is light and fruity and makes you long for palm trees and sand between your toes because it tastes so tropical.

I must tell you, however, that the seeds form this sort of slippery gel as they absorb liquid. It gives the texture of the pudding a bit of a tapioca feel.

Tim and I don’t mind the texture. I actually like it. And we love the tropical flavor of the pudding. But, recently one of my favorite people, J, was here visiting and I served him this pudding. I could tell after his first bite that he was not a fan. Even being the health nut that he is, he opted for the packaged caramel pudding in the fridge over eating another bite of the chia pudding. 😉 To each his own, I suppose!

So, like I said, an aquired taste possibly? (So disappointed in you, J!)

I have the best friends. They get me all kinds of nifty things. J may not have liked the pudding but I forgave him because he brought me the coolest gifts. I can be bought, apparently.

J brought me gifts because it was NOT my birthday. That’s right. We have this little tradition of never getting birthday gifts to each other on time. Usually several months pass before we send out the belated gift. (Or maybe 6 months) Honestly, the tradition stems from laziness but it is now an integral part of our friendship. Our friendship is one of those that is so easy and relaxed. No drama or stress. We can go months and never talk and then pick back up like no time passed. I love those friendships.

Since J was in my part of the US, (He’s a world traveler these days) he brought me my surprise package in person! All kinds of awesome stuff but these stood out.  They are from his travels in South America. He got them in Uruguay. They are straws called bomba or bombilla that are used to drink a ground herbal tea-type concoction popular in South America. They act as a sieve to prevent you from drinking the loose leaves.

Aren’t they cool? I am in love with them! I adore unique kitchen things like these. Thanks, J! I promise to never make you this pudding again if you keep finding me stuff like this. Just kidding. . .maybe.

I will, however, keep making this pudding for me. It’s super yummy plus you feel all hip and healthy while you eat it. Bonus!

Tropical Chia Pudding

1/2 cup almond milk (I use unsweetened)

1/2 cup lite coconut milk

1/2 cup diced pineapple

1/2 cup diced papaya

2 Tbsp Sweetened shredded coconut

2 1/2 Tbsp chia seeds

1 Tbsp agave syrup or honey

Stir all the ingredients together and refrigerate overnight. Pudding will thicken as the chia absorb the liquid. Eat chilled.

Scoop into small bowls and enjoy!