We all know that standard holiday fare, especially desserts, can easily contain a notable amount of long-chain saturated fats and omega 6 fats. But what if desert could be rich in omega 3 fats? Here’s a holiday version of chia pudding – with a cherry mint flavor and holiday colors:
Cherry Mint Chia Pudding
¾ cup freshly made walnut milk (or nut/seed milk of your choice)
3 tsp chia seeds
1 medjool date (or more if you want a sweeter pudding)
4 medium peppermint leaves
3 cherries (pits removed)
Mint sprig decoration on top (optional)
Here’s how I made it:
Blend the date with ¾ cup of walnut milk until smooth. Pour equal amounts of this mixture into three separate small mason jars. Add 1 tsp. chia seeds to one of the jars, stir until the seeds are well distributed, then cover and put in refrigerator for 8 hours. This mixture will be the white layer. Next, add the three cherries and the contents of one of the remaining walnut milk/date mixtures to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour this mixture into a clean small mason jar, add 1 tsp. chia seeds, stir until the seeds are well distributed, then cover and put in refrigerator for 8 hours. This will be the red layer. Clean blender carafe and add the 4 medium peppermint leaves to the blender carafe along with the remaining walnut milk/date mixture. Blend until smooth and pour this mixture into a clean small mason jar, add 1 tsp. chia seeds, stir until the seeds are well distributed, then cover and put in refrigerator for 8 hours. This will be the green layer.
After the chia puddings have become relatively firm, layer the 3 colors in small glasses of your choice. Chill and serve.
Serves 2-4 or more depending on the size of the glasses used. I’ve found this pudding to be quite rich-tasting so glasses about half the size of the 5-inch ones shown in this photo would be plenty for most people.
I rinse the chia seeds before adding them to the walnut milk/date mixture to remove debris and small stones. I also clean/rinse all other ingredients before using.
Enjoy and Happy Holidays!