Easy Summer breakfast

Chia pudding might seem a bit 2015 to some, but I am loving it for breakfast or an afternoon snack this summer. And what’s not to love? Chia seeds are a fantastic source of fiber (30% of your adult recommendation in just 2.5 tablespoons!), are high in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, are a powerhouse of antioxidants, and contain calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium which help to build strong, dense bones. Plus, as a kid who loved tapioca and rice pudding, chia pudding is a light, refreshing, and satiating addition to my summer recipe repertoire that also has a fun texture. It’s also quite possibly the easiest “recipe” in existence, and you can make a big batch for the week for easy mornings or pre/post-workout snackage. I add collagen peptides because I am always looking for ways to get more protein, but this recipe works without that, too.

Now, I’m from the west coast so I grew up drinking a lot of - some might say too much - horchata in the summer, which is a super yummy drink of rice milk, Mexican vanilla & cinnamon, and sugar. It’s sweet, warm flavors are so delightful over ice on a hot day. I love these flavors together but am not as excited about all of the added sugar, so this version is unsweetened. However, of course you can flavor this however you want and top it with whatever you want!

Here’s how I’ve been making it:

(cha-cha-cha) Chia power pudding

Ratio - 2 Tbsp chia seeds to 1 C mylk/milk

Makes 3-4 servings, depending on your snackage level

1/4 C Chia Seeds

2 C Unsweetened Flax or Almond Mylk

2 scoops Collagen Peptides

2 tsp Cinnamon

1 Tbsp Vanilla (omit if your mylk of choice is flavored)

In a medium bowl, whisk together the chia seeds and collagen powder. Add 1/3 of the mylk, stir well to incorporate. Add the rest of the milk, vanilla, cinnamon (or whatever flavors you want) and stir well for 30 seconds to make sure everything is really well combined. Store in a pyrex or individual jars in the refrigerator. Will set up in about 30 minutes, but will become thicker over several hours.

Top with berries, fruits, nuts, seeds, granola, a drizzle of honey, cacao nibs, bee pollen…truly whatever you want. Enjoy!