Cranberry-chia pudding. Make-ahead breakfast for the holidays

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Mama always said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. She was not lying. Especially over the holidays, skipping meals can set you up for disaster later in the day. Eating a healthy breakfast that is balanced with protein, healthy carbs, and good fats with a boost of fruit for antioxidants is a great way to start your day on the right track.

This fresh cranberry-chia pudding is the perfect make-ahead breakfast that takes no time (and looks impressive to house guests). The cranberries provide you with some real fruit that is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, while the chia seeds give a boost of healthy fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. The yogurt delivers a punch of calcium and live probiotics and the almond milk gives a nice dose of Vitamin E.

Fresh cranberry-chia seed pudding (inspired by recipe from US cranberries: http://www.uscranberries.com/recipes/cranberry-maple-chia-pudding/)

Ingredients (makes six 1/2-cup servings)

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries

  • ¼ cup water

  • 2 drops liquid Stevia. May add more depending on desired level of sweetness

  • 1 tablespoons 100% real maple syrup -not made with corn syrup or added sugar. May add more depending on desired level of sweetness

  • 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk

  • 1/2 cup 2% milk (preferably from grass-fed cows)

  • 1 container (4.4 oz) Siggi’s 4% fat Vanilla Icelandic Skyr (or other brand of similar Greek yogurt)

  • ½ cup chia seeds

Steps

  • Combine cranberries, water, Stevia, and maple syrup in a small pot and stir to combine.

  • Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until you hear the cranberries POP! (approx 5-8 min).

  • Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Allow to cool

  • Using a food processor, blend the cranberries until smooth (leave some chunks!)

  • In a bowl, combine almond milk, yogurt and chia seeds. 

  • Combine cranberry puree with the milk/yogurt mixture

  • Cover and chill in refrigerator for 15 minutes. 

  • Stir pudding once again and place covered in the fridge overnight.

  • In the morning, serve four servings in a bowl or fancy glass, garnish with fresh cranberries, slivered almonds, or whatever looks impressive to your guests. Tell your guests you slaved over this all evening, and enjoy starting your day off with a nutrition punch!

Note: If you do not care for the consistency of the whole chia seeds, you may put the mixture in a blender before chilling in the fridge to make it even more of a pudding consistency.

Enjoy! Xo

Lauren Manaker1 Comment