PUMPKIN COCONUT CHIA PUDDING

#Pumpkin #Coconut #Chia #Pudding
I've been experimenting with pumpkin a lot in the past few weeks.  Over the next week, I'll try to add a few of the recipes.  This one I created a couple of weeks ago.  I made the mistake of writing the recipe on a scrap piece of paper and then I promptly lost it.  Today I found it in the recycling!  Yahoo!  

I love chia pudding because it is nutritious, gluten-free, vegan and could be served for everything from breakfast to dessert.  If you have an almond allergy you could substitute some other non-dairy milk such as brown rice milk.  

INGREDIENTS:
5 T chia seeds
1 c raw almond milk
1 c coconut milk, preferable fresh
1 c pumpkin puree
3-5 T pure maple syrup (depending on how sweet you'd it!)
1 t cinnamon
1/4 t each nutmeg and allspice
1 T fresh grated ginger (or 1/4-1/2 t dried)
1 t vanilla
pinch of cloves and sea salt

DIRECTIONS:
Put everything except the chia seeds in your blender.  Blend until smooth.  Add the chia seeds.  Pulse for a few seconds if you like a "tapioca' type consistency and blend if you prefer a smooth pudding.  Pour into a container with a lid (I like to use a large canning jar) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.  I have to hide it behind the kale or it is gone before it has set!  Drizzle a little extra maple syrup on top of each individual serving before eating!

DELISH RASPBERRY CHIA PUDDING

I made a few different chia puddings a few weeks ago and my family voted this one as #1!  

Ingredients: 
1/2 c almond milk or other plant milk
1/2 c coconut milk
2 T maple syrup or 4 dates
1/4 t pure vanilla extract
1/3 - 1/2 c frozen or fresh raspberries (or other fruit)
4 T chia seeds
lemon rind from half a lemon
Optional: coconut shreds 

Directions: 
Put the ingredients in a bowl in the order given.  Mix well.  Put in a serving bowl or individual ramekins. Put in the fridge for at least two hours.   Before serving sprinkle coconut on top if desired.  This makes 4 small servings.  (We have to double it!)