Chocolate Berry Chia Pudding

(Raw, Vegan, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free)

I make some variety of this when I have a craving for something that super rich and filling with just one spoonful!  Truly, this lasts a long time as it is so rich and filling that you only need a spoonful to feel satisfied. 

Ingredients

• 1 can of full fat coconut milk (or homemade)
  
• 1/2 cup of raw cacao powder (or carob powder)
  
• 3 Tablespoons of coconut butter
• 7 dates with the pits taken out (only 5 if you use carob powder as it is naturally sweeter)
  
• 1 Tablespoon of vanilla powder (or extract)
  
• 1 teaspoon of a spice - cinnamon or cayenne or chili - this will give it extra depth
  
• 1/8 teaspoon of high mineral salt (Celtic or Himalayan)
• 2/3 cup of chia seeds
  
• 1 bag of frozen berries (mixed or single variety)**
  
• 1 cup of cut fresh fruit
  

** Adding the frozen berries is optional - this recipe works with and without the frozen berries.  Without them it is much richer and more decadent.  With them it is a bit more of a gentle taste and not as chocolate dominant.  Try it both ways!!

Directions

Option 1 - longer, and smoother

• Blend the first 6 ingredients in your blender (I use a Vitamix)
  
• Pour into a bowl, add the chia seeds and mix well
  
• Refrigerate until set
  
• Spoon into the blender, add the frozen berries, blend well
  
• Separate into mini serving bowls
  
• Serve with fresh fruit (berries, pomegranate, etc...), nuts, seeds, granola etc... sprinkled on top

Option 2 - shorter, and textured with the chia seeds

• Blend the first 5 ingredients and the frozen berries in your blender (I use a Vitamix)
  
• Pour into a bowl, add the chia seeds and mix well until the chia seeds are evenly mixed in
  
• Separate into mini serving bowls, and refrigerate until set (4+ hours)
  
• Serve with fresh fruit (berries, pomegranate, etc...), nuts, seeds, granola etc... sprinkled on top
  

Store in a glass bowl or jar in the fridge, there is no need to freeze this.  It gets quite 'solid' from the coconut and the chia seeds.

Serving Ideas

• In small bowls with fresh berries
  
• Layered in wine glasses with coconut cream or coconut yogurt and berries
  
• Use as an icing for a cake or cupcake
  
• Package in small glass jars and give to friends
  
• Eat with a spoon from the bowl because you can't wait and it is so yummy!

Bonus Idea
I made this in the morning in my Vitamix, did *not* wash my Vitamix, then made my green smoothie - extra delicious!

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