Strawberry Mint Chia Pudding

30 May Strawberry Mint Chia Pudding

Fresh picked, juicy, red strawberries pair perfectly with fresh mint- both in season right now.  The flavors of the mint and berries blend to produce a delicious pudding that can be served as either a snack or as a dessert.

Strawberry Mint Chia Pudding

Ingredients:
1 cup milk*
4 sprigs of fresh mint (any variety), about 2 inches in length
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 Tbsp maple syrup
Pinch sea salt
1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
½ cup chia seeds

• Remove the leaves from the mint sprigs. You should end up with about 20-25 mint leaves.
• Place the milk and the mint leaves in a glass container with lid. Make sure the leaves are submerged and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
• After at least 8 hours, strain out the mint leaves.
• Place the milk, vanilla, maple syrup, sea salt, and strawberries into a blender. Blend until well combined and strawberries are broken down.
• Place mixture into a medium bowl and mix in the chia seeds. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
• Serve as is or top with fresh mint, fresh strawberry slices, and/or mint whipped cream (recipe below).
• Store chia pudding in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Enjoy!

*You can use cow’s milk or any other variety of milk alternative (almond, coconut, etc).

Mint Whipped Cream–

Ingredients:
1 cup heavy cream
4 sprigs of fresh mint (any variety), about 2 inches in length
1 Tbsp sweetener of choice (honey, maple syrup, powdered sugar, etc)
½ tsp vanilla extract

• Remove the leaves from the mint sprigs. Place mint leaves and heavy cream in glass container with lid.  Make sure all leaves are submerged and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
• After 8 hours, strain out the mint leaves.
• Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, whip the heavy cream. This will take a few minutes.  Once it begins to thicken, add sweetener and vanilla.  Mix well until you get a nice thick whipped consistency.
• Store in the fridge in an airtight container.

Recipe and photos by Stephanie Borzio.  Stephanie is a mom of three active boys and is an autoimmune warrior.  After battling her own health for several years, Stephanie found healing through food and lifestyle changes, including joining Blooming Glen Farm CSA of which she is a long time member.  She is a Board Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach who is passionate about sharing healthy living tips and real food recipes.  Instagram and Facebook: Tru You Essentials; Website: www.truyouessentials.com