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Blueberry Orange Chia Pudding

Make-ahead breakfasts are awesome. Imagine opening your fridge and having blueberry orange chia pudding waiting for you in the morning… it will make you smile.
blueberry orange chia pudding

I’m like a pusher when it comes to chia pudding. I make everyone try it. And, most of them end up loving it. I’m not going to lie though… there are still a few souls I’m trying to win over, but I’m not giving up. I’ve been developing chia puddings in tons of different flavors. And, this blueberry orange chia pudding recipe won over someone who I never thought would ever eat chia pudding. I just love it when stuff like this happens!

I was hosting my book club at my apartment one night. And, I, not surprisingly, used this as an event to test out recipes on unsuspecting people. I made 8 cute little jars of this chia pudding and had them at the ready in my fridge. When book club was over and everyone was gone, I opened the fridge and realized that I had never served the chia puddings — I had intended them to be parting gifts.

Ugh. I cannot even tell you how often I leave food in the fridge and forget to serve it.

That’s why I should never be allowed to drink even one glass of wine while I’m entertaining… nah… that’s not going to happen…

Anyway, I still had all of these lovely blueberry orange chia pudding jars.

The next night I had a few friends over before a meeting we needed to attend. I passed out a few jars. One friend looked at it and at me like I was crazy and said she would take her jar with her to the meeting. I knew this meant she would probably throw it out when I wasn’t looking. Then, I saw her taste it. And a little while into the meeting, the jar was empty. To me, that was a great compliment.

That was 2 jars down.

Confession: I ate the rest of them myself. All of them. Over the next week. Okay, maybe I gave one away. Ugh. Sometimes I can be such a pig…

And, here’s my most popular chia pudding recipe: Birthday Cake Chia Pudding.

blueberry orange chia pudding

I’m on a big customized-recipe-creation kick right now… let me customize a recipe for you that will work for whatever’s going on in your body now… I’m such a geek that I really do get excited about doing this. So CLICK HERE to be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation.

blueberry orange chia pudding

Here are some of the awesome healing ingredients in this blueberry orange chia pudding recipe:

Chia seeds are ancient seeds that got their name from the Mayan word for “strength”. These tiny seeds have the unique ability to turn liquid into a gel-like substance when making puddings and they are great added to smoothies and shakes. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids,and fiber. And, because they are so high in antioxidants, they help keep your skin looking younger. They help optimize both your digestive system and your cardiovascular system.

In Asian medicine, we use coconut to strengthen the body, reduce swelling, and stop bleeding. Coconut kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. And perhaps most importantly, it helps you keep your mind sharp and it makes it easier for you to focus. I like to use full-fat canned coconut milk for this chia pudding.

Pure maple syrup contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body (think inflammatory bowel syndrome or heart disease). It also contains zinc, calcium, and magnesium. It’s much lower on the glycemic scale than traditional sugar. Whenever possible, use a darker (grade B) syrup because the nutritional composition is better than that of lighter syrups.

Maca Root is one of the superfoods I take every day. It has many healthy benefits including increasing libido, helping menopausal symptoms, relieving menstrual cramps, regulating hormones, and increasing energy.

Baobab is a superfood that is a powder made from an African fruit. This amazing superfood has tons of vitamin C to boost your immune system and it’s great for energy. Sometimes I put some in my water bottle to keep my hydrated throughout the day. It’s easy to put a scoop in anything for a pick-me-up.

Blueberries are filled with antioxidants and have been shown to help fight cancer, diabetes, heart attacks and strokes. In some circles, they are known as “longevity berries.”

Oranges will help boost your levels of vitamins A, B and C. In Chinese medicine, oranges have been used for many years to help coughs, colds and anorexia. Lately, oranges have been widely touted for their ability to help heal colon cancer. I peel my oranges and lay the rinds in the sun to dry, and save them for tea or for cooking because the orange rinds are an actual Chinese herb. I dry out the peels of oranges, tangerines, clementines… whatever I have. Dried tangerine peel, or “chen pi”, as it’s known in Chinese medicine, is one of the greatest and most easily accessible herbs around. It’s especially good for digestive issues like abdominal discomfort, distention, fullness, bloating, belching, and nausea. It’s also great if you have a cough with a heavy or stuffy chest.

blueberry orange chia pudding

If you make this blueberry orange chia pudding, please be sure to let me know in the comments below. I love hearing how you like a recipe, and I love to answer your questions! If you make it, be sure to take a photo and tag me and post it on Instagram.

Blueberry Orange Chia Pudding
Print
Recipe type: make-ahead, superfoods, chia seeds
Cuisine: breakfast, pudding, parfait
Author:
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 8
Make this recipe the night before and when you open your fridge in the morning it will be waiting for you... this will make you smile.
Ingredients
  • 2 cans full-fat coconut milk
  • 4 tsp vanilla extract
  • ⅔ cup pure maple syrup
  • ½ cup plus 1Tbs chia seeds
  • 4 tsp maca root powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp baobab powder (optional)
  • 1 pint blueberries
  • flesh or ½ a large orange
  • zest of half a large orange, to sprinkle on top
Instructions
  1. In a large mason jar with a lid, or a large container with a lid, shake up the coconut milk, vanilla, maple syrup, chia seeds, maca root, and baobab.
  2. Shake, shake, shake... until it's all combined really well.
  3. Put the blueberries and the orange flesh in a blender. If you need a some liquid to get it to move, you can add a few Tbs of orange juice.
  4. Whiz it up shortly until broken down and combined, but not so much that it's watery.
  5. Divide the blueberry mixture among the bottoms of several small jars with lids (I used 8 really small mason jars).
  6. Pour the chia seed mixture evenly on top of the blueberry mixture.
  7. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  8. Enjoy!

blueberry orange chia pudding collage

Flourless Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Looking for a grain-free cookie that’s as good as the original? These flourless chocolate chip walnut cookies fit the bill… Read more

Birthday Cake Chia Pudding

birthday cake chia pudding

Do you have any descriptive food words that make your mouth water? For me, if I see the words “birthday cake” or “cake batter” I have kind of a drooling, mouth watering response. I don’t know what it is about those words, but for me, when I see them, I have to have whatever it is immediately. So, when I started seeing recipes for chia puddings that were described this way, I was all in. I have to give a big thank you to Macy at Paleo Crumbs because her awesome recipe was the one that made me run to the store to buy the ingredients and make this birthday cake chia pudding.

I don’t know what mornings are like in your house, but here in my house we are kind of laid back. It wasn’t always that way. We used to run around, grab whatever we could to eat, shower, dress, and leave as quickly as possible to begin our day. It was that way for many years. Then we moved to the city. And this part of our lives magically slowed down. Now, we are able to get up, go to the park with the dogs, have an actual real conversation, and spend time together before anyone has to leave. So, oftentimes I will cook a big breakfast for us. This birthday cake chia pudding, is so good, that it can even compete with a great avocado toast or delicious eggy type breakfast, but there’s absolutely no cooking involved. The only labor here comes when you have to shake the jar!

I’ve always been a fan of chia pudding. I like that rice pudding-like texture. I love that I can customize it with whatever flavor I’m feeling at that particular moment. I also love that it is so easy to make and that it can be made way in advance. Yes, chia pudding is an awesome invention.

Now, if I’m being totally honest, I’ll tell you that I love chia pudding, but my family is not quite as enamored with these yummy jars as I am. BUT, this birthday cake chia pudding has changed all that. As soon as I stuck a spoonful in Steve’s mouth, he was a convert. It’s really that good. And, it really is reminiscent of vanilla birthday cake. Especially if you top it with sprinkles…

If you want to try another great simple creation, try my recipe for Turmeric Chia Pudding.

birthday cake chia pudding

birthday cake chia pudding

Here are some of the healing ingredients in this recipe for birthday cake chia pudding:

Chia seeds are ancient seeds that got their name from the Mayan word for “strength”. These tiny seeds have the unique ability to turn liquid into a gel-like substance when making puddings and they are great added to smoothies and shakes. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids,and fiber. And, because they are so high in antioxidants, they help keep your skin looking younger. They help optimize both your digestive system and your cardiovascular system.

In Asian medicine, we use coconut to strengthen the body, reduce swelling, and stop bleeding. Coconut kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. And perhaps most importantly, it helps you keep your mind sharp and it makes it easier for you to focus. I like to use full-fat canned coconut milk for this chia pudding.

Pure maple syrup contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body (think inflammatory bowel syndrome or heart disease). It also contains zinc, calcium, and magnesium. It’s much lower on the glycemic scale than traditional sugar. Whenever possible, use a darker (grade B) syrup because the nutritional composition is better than that of lighter syrups.

Maca Root is one of the superfoods I take every day. It has many healthy benefits including increasing libido, helping menopausal symptoms, relieving menstrual cramps, regulating hormones, and increasing energy.

Baobab is a superfood that is a powder made from an African fruit. This amazing superfood has tons of vitamin C to boost your immune system and it’s great for energy. Sometimes I put some in my water bottle to keep my hydrated throughout the day. It’s easy to put a scoop in anything for a pick-me-up.

birthday cake chia pudding

Birthday Cake Chia Pudding
Print
Recipe type: breakfast, simple, vegan, vegetarian, paleo, make ahead, chia pudding
Cuisine: recipe inspired by: Paleo Crumbs
Author:
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 2-3
Happy birthday to you! This quick, easy, healing, make-ahead breakfast will make you smile from ear to ear!
Ingredients
  • 1 13.5 oz can full fat coconut milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 4-1/2 Tbs chia seeds
  • 1/1/2 tsp maca root powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp baobab powder (optional)
  • Fruit-sweetened sprinkles (for topping)
Instructions
  1. Put all ingredients in a mason jar.
  2. Cover.
  3. Shake it up really well (really... dance around with it and work up a good sweat)
  4. Put it in the fridge overnight.
  5. Scoop into individual bowls in the morning.
  6. Top with sprinkles and enjoy.

birthday cake chia pudding

Paleo Blueberry Cobbler

This paleo blueberry cobbler is an incredibly delicious dessert!

paleo blueberry cobbler

You know when you go to the market looking for organic berries and you have to to a double-take when you see the price? Sometimes I can’t believe what I’m seeing… it’s like I’m being punked or something. But, finally, it’s that time of the year when the price of berries drops down to a reasonable level. Last week, there were blueberries everywhere! And when I checked the price, not only were these gorgeous blueberries affordable, but they were packaged in huge containers. So, I bought 2 containers. I didn’t need to, but I did. Did I tell you these containers were HUGE…

I’m sure it’s happened to you: you get home from the market, and you’re all kinds of smug because you got some great deals, and then you look at what you bought and you have no idea how you are going to use it all up…

Sooooooo, I put some of these gorgeous blueberries in the freezer. And I ate a lot of them right out of the container. And I made coconut yogurt parfaits. And a smoothie bowl. And then, I made this paleo blueberry cobbler. It’s just awesome. I made more than we could eat, so we ate half, and I froze the other half. Yesterday, I defrosted the frozen cobbler and when I ate it today, it’s just as awesome. And surprisingly, it tastes just as good cold as it did warm.

I’m on a big customized-recipe-creation kick right now (okay… always…), so let me customize a recipe for you that will work for whatever’s going on in your body now… I’m such a geek that I really do get excited about doing this. I’ve got a dessert recipe with your name on it…  So CLICK HEREto be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation.

Here’s my recipe for Berry Fig Yogurt Parfait, that you can make with your extra berries.

paleo blueberry cobbler

This cobbler is so good for you:

Blueberries are filled with antioxidants and have been shown to help fight cancer, diabetes, heart attacks and strokes. In some circles, they are known as “longevity berries.”

Coconut strengthens the body, reduces swelling, and stops bleeding. It kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. There’s coconut flour, coconut oil, and coconut sugar in this recipe.

Cashews are really a multi-tasking nut. I use them all the time so I say it all the time: Cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts. Most of the fat in cashews is unsaturated and is made up of oleic acid; this is the same acid that is found in olive oil, making these nuts a heart-healty choice. I used cashew milk in this cobbler, but you can substitute whatever non-dairy milk you like.

Hemp seeds are a superfood. They are high in protein, easily digestible, and contain a full complement of amino acids. They contain disease-fighting phytonutrients that are good for your blood, immune system, tissues and skin. Hemp contains a specific fatty acid that acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It also helps balance hormones, making it a great choice to fight the symptoms of PMS. This super seed is also good for your liver and your brain.

Tapioca is a starch that comes from the cassava plant. It’s not really a flour in the traditional sense; it’s grain and gluten free. It’s good for your circulation and your digestion. Oftentimes I will make recipes (like this one) with tapioca flour — it crisps things up well and it works as a great thickener too.

paleo blueberry cobbler

If you make this Paleo Blueberry Cobbler recipe, please be sure to let me know in the comments below. I love hearing how you like a recipe, and I love to answer your questions! If you make it, be sure to take a photo and tag me and post it on Instagram.

Paleo Blueberry Cobbler
5.0 from 1 reviews
Print
Recipe type: dessert, paleo
Cuisine: American, fruit
Author:
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
This paleo blueberry cobbler is so refreshing. It also freezes well... and the ingredients are so healing... this one's a keeper... it's summer on a plate!
Ingredients
  • 3 Tbs coconut oil
  • 1 cup coconut flour
  • 1-1/2 cups cashew milk (substitute almond milk or another non-dairy milk if you prefer)
  • ⅓ cup coconut sugar, plus extra for sprinkling on the top
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ cup hemp seeds
  • 1-1/4 cups tapioca flour
  • juice of ½ a lemon
  • ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • 2-1/4 cups fresh blueberries
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Put the coconut oil in a baking pan (mine was 9x9-in.), and put the pan in the oven to melt the oil while the oven is heating.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the coconut flour, cashew milk, coconut sugar, baking soda, hemp seeds, tapioca flour, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt. Stir until combined.
  4. Spread this batter into the baking dish with the melted coconut oil.
  5. Pour the blueberries over the batter and press them into the batter.
  6. Sprinkle the top with coconut sugar.
  7. Bake until golden and a bit crisp. (Mine took 1 hour and 5 minutes.)
  8. Remove from oven and let the pan cool a bit on a rack.
  9. Enjoy!

paleo blueberry cobbler

Coconut Blood Orange Ice Pops

These coconut blood orange ice pops will make you feel like a kid again!

coconut blood orange ice pops

Ice pops are like art for me. I always wanted to be a great painter, but I wasn’t blessed with the skills for this endeavor. I can’t even draw a good circle… So, for me, food is my art. I love when you can take creative license with food and have it turn out beautiful and delicious. Ice pops are one of the easiest things you can make and yet they can be one of the most creative.

And, luckily, these awesome frozen treats can be made with great healing ingredients, with little or no calories, and can be customized to your particular tastes.

Steve likes to have dessert after dinner. Me, not so much… I prefer to stay away from the sweets after dinner, mostly because I have very little self control around them. If you have this issue, ice pops are perfect. If you can grab one of these out of your freezer, you will feel like you are indulging but with no detrimental effects. And, the dessert-loving-bad-influence-person (who shall not be named) is satisfied too, because these really are decadent tasting.

If I am being totally honest, I made these ice pops the other night when I was having a few good friends over for dinner. My friend Val and I loved them, but Frank and Steve… well, I think they would have preferred a big hunk of cake. That’s not to say that these ice pops are a feminine dessert, but they are not heavy like chocolate cake either… but this is one of the characteristics that make them so awesome…

So, I’ve been experimenting… wait until you see some of the ones I’ve tried! I’m actually really excited to start posting some of these pics and recipes. Once I got in the groove, there was no stopping me. Some of them are beautiful, some are delicious, some are just plain weird (and, not surprisingly, the latter category is my favorite)!

Anyway, this recipe for coconut blood orange ice pops is easy, healthy, and pretty. I love the layered effect, and it’s so easy to achieve. I tried this recipe both ways — some I layered and some I just stirred everything together and went for a creamier pop — you can choose (I like the layered ones a bit better)…

Here’s another grab-and-go freezer dessert recipe: Pumpkin Peanut Butter Fudge.

coconut blood orange ice pops

There are only a few ingredients in these ice pops, but they are good ones:

In Asian medicine, we use coconut to strengthen the body, reduce swelling, and stop bleeding. Coconut kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. And perhaps most importantly, it helps you keep your mind sharp and it makes it easier for you to focus. I like to use full-fat canned coconut milk for these ice pops.

Coconut Sugar is made from the sap of the coconut palm. This sweetener won’t cause the drastic blood-sugar spikes that are associated with traditional white sugar. It has significantly less fructose than agave nectar, meaning that it is not as easily stored in the body as fat. Another plus is that it is not chemically altered. Coconut sugar is also a very sustainable sugar, making it the environmentally friendly choice.

Blood Oranges are oranges with extra anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are compounds found in many plant-based foods. These compounds can help prevent certain cancers and can help with brain function. Oranges, of any kind, will help boost your levels of vitamins A, B and C. In Chinese medicine oranges have been used for many years to help coughs, colds and anorexia. Lately, oranges have been widely touted for their ability to help heal colon cancer. I peel my oranges and lay the rinds in the sun to dry, and save them for tea or for cooking because the orange rinds are an actual Chinese herb. I dry out the peels of oranges, tangerines, clementines… whatever I have. Dried tangerine peel, or “chen pi” as it’s known in Chinese medicine, is one of the greatest and most easily accessible herbs around. It’s especially good for digestive issues like abdominal discomfort, distention, fullness, bloating, belching, and nausea. It’s also great if you have a cough with a heavy or stuffy chest.

coconut blood orange ice pops

Coconut Blood Orange Ice Pops
Print
Recipe type: ice pops, frozen
Cuisine: dessert. Recipe adapted from: Fork Knife Swoon
Author:
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
These ice pops take 5 minutes to make and they are awesome to keep in the freezer for a quick dessert anytime!
Ingredients
  • 1 13.5 oz can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup coconut sugar (here's a good one)
  • 1 cup blood orange juice (I was able to find organic blood orange juice in a bottle in the market, but you can juice your own or use another type of juice.)
Instructions
  1. Whisk together the coconut milk, vanilla, and coconut sugar.
  2. Fill 6 ice pop molds about ½ to ⅔ full with this coconut mixture.
  3. Place in freezer for 15 minutes.
  4. After 15 minutes, fill the molds the rest of the way with the blood orange juice.
  5. Freeze until completely frozen.
  6. Enjoy!

coconut blood orange ice pops

Matcha Chia Pudding

This matcha chia pudding combines the healing power of matcha and chia seeds… make it the night before and be amazed!

matcha chia pudding

Last week when I was really tired and a bit achy, my acupuncturist/mentor recommended green tea, but in the form of matcha or sencha. These intense green tea powders are so good for you, but I had forgotten all about them.

Honestly, I don’t know how I forgot about them because matcha seems to be everywhere these days… everywhere I look there are matcha smoothies, matcha cookies, matcha lattes. So, I figured, why not matcha chia pudding…

I do love a good chia pudding. Really, if you can make something the night before and have it ready for breakfast when you wake up, and have it taste delicious, what’s not to love?

This chia pudding is great. It’s not too sweet, has a distinctive green tea flavor, and is so energizing… it’s the perfect breakfast! I actually tried something new with this pudding and I put it in the blender in the morning to give it more of a creamy, dessert-like feel. I really liked it this way, but you can omit this step if you prefer.

For another great chia pudding recipe try my take on Raspberry Chia Pudding!

matcha chia pudding

There are so many reasons (other than the delicious taste) to make this Matcha Chia Pudding:

Matcha is a type of green tea powder made from whole leaves of tea. Green tea, in Chinese medicine is known to be good for the mind, reduces headaches and aids digestion. If you use Macha, you can really magnify the already great health benefits of your green tea — research shows that matcha has over 100 times the potency and nutritional benefits of regular green tea.

Chia seeds are ancient seeds that got their name from the Mayan word for “strength”. These tiny seeds have the unique ability to turn liquid into a gel-like substance when making puddings and they are great added to smoothies and shakes. They are really good for you because they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and fiber.

In Asian medicine, we use coconut to strengthen the body, reduce swelling, and stop bleeding. Coconut kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. I use coconut milk in so many recipes that call for dairy — it’s incredible!

Mangos are great for digestion and they help if you have one of those annoying dry coughs that just won’t go away. This delicious fruit will also help strengthen your bones and is good for your heart.

Strawberries help get rid of excess alcohol in your body and they are good for your heart. They even help reduce plaque in your mouth and can make you feel better if you have an annoying dry cough or if you feel bloated from eating too much. So, if you’ve overindulged, strawberries are great for you.

matcha chia pudding

Matcha Chia Pudding
Print
Recipe type: breakfast, make-ahead
Cuisine: American, Asian
Author:
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 2-3
Here's an easy, make-ahead, energizing, healthy breakfast! You can customize it and top it any way you like!
Ingredients
  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tsp matcha powder (here's an organic one)
  • 1 Tbs pure maple syrup
  • 4 Tbs chia seeds
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • optional toppings: mango, strawberries, kiwi slices
Instructions
  1. Place the coconut milk, matcha, syrup, chia seeds, and vanilla into a mason jar. Cover and shake well.
  2. Place the jar in the refrigerator overnight.
  3. In the morning, you have 2 choices; just scoop the pudding into bowls and top with fruit, or place the pudding into a blender and blend for a smoother texture and then top with fruit.
  4. Enjoy!

matcha chia pudding