Avocado Pudding Recipe

A friend of mine suggested I try out her Avocado Pudding recipe she found in a magazine (not a clue which one). I'm always one to try new things, especially if they are healthy. You get a boost of unsaturated (healthy) fats and some protein! The recipe was really simple and quite good. It took me less than 10 minutes to make, so great to make in a pinch!

Just some forewarnings:
1. It is not sweet! If you are more of a sweet tooth, add some type of sweetener.
2. The recipe I used called for dates (10-12), which I did not have, so I used some honey instead.
3. It tastes much better after it sits in the fridge and gains the "pudding-like consistency."
4. I topped mine with some Reddi Whip, which gave it a little more sweetness and more of a dessert feel.

Avocado Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
1 Avocado (ripe)
1T Honey
1/2c Almond milk
4T Unsweetened cocoa
1/2 tsp. Vanilla

Directions
1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl or blender. Chill for 1 hour and enjoy!

Easy Chia Seed Recipes

My new adventure this week and last was with Chia seeds. If you are thinking, "Chia seeds, like Chia pet?" You are indeed correct! These are the same seeds featured in the Chia Pet. So, what are Chia seeds? According to WebMD, "Chia is an edible, unprocessed seed (and whole-grain), that can be absorbed by the body (unlike flaxseeds)." You can sprinkle raw Chia seeds on cereal, sauces, vegetables and yogurt. You can also use Chia seeds in baked goods. Chia seeds are a good replacement for eggs (if you have an allergy), just mix with water! Chia seeds are a good source of fiber, protein, calcium, Omega-3s, and antioxidants.

Last week, I made Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding. To be honest, once you get over the weird texture, it is actually pretty good. I found it to be an easy snack with a boost of fiber.

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding 
Ingredients
2T Chia Seeds
1/2c Milk (I used almond milk)
1T Cocoa Powder
1tsp Honey

Directions
1. Place all ingredients in a jar or container with a lid. Shake vigorously.
2. Refrigerate overnight and enjoy!

**I made the mistake of trying to stir it all together and it did not go well. Shaking is the way to go!

Today, I ventured to make Chia Seed Crusted Chicken, in a few different forms (recipes below), since I wasn't sure how it would turn out. Again, I was pleasantly surprised with the great flavor. A definite must-try recipe!

Picture taken while I was still cooking, note the raw chicken :)

Chia Seed Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
2T Chia Seeds
2T Coconut Oil
3 Chicken breasts, cut into pieces
2T Unflavored Bread Crumbs or 2T Almond Flour
1T Parmesan Cheese
1 Egg, beaten lightly

Directions
Option 1: Dip chicken in egg then chia seeds. Fry in coconut oil.
Option 2: Dip chicken in egg then bowl with bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and chia seeds (mixed). Fry in coconut oil.
Option 3: Dip chicken in chia seeds. Fry in coconut oil.

**My personal favorite was the chia seeds with parmesan cheese.




http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/truth-about-chia