Wild Blueberry Chia Jam

I had been seeing a lot of posts about making chia jam and I had to give it a try.  I am so glad that I did! Chia jam is really easy to make and a delicious lower sugar way to enjoy jam. I picked frozen Wild blueberries although you could use a mix of all different types of berries (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, etc.). 

For more on the wild blueberries, check out Wild Blueberries & Mango Smoothie post!

A tablespoon of jam typically has three times as much sugar as this jam (about 12 grams), each tablespoon of this jam has only 4 grams of sugar. Plus you get some fiber from the chia seeds!

Wild Blueberry Chia Jam

Ingredients:
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/2 cup water
5 cups frozen Wild blueberries
1/3 cup honey

Directions:

1. In a small bowl mix the chia seeds and water. Set aside.

2. In a medium sauce pan combine the frozen Wild blueberries and honey. Heat the berries and honey until the berries are thawed and softened, let the mixture come to a gentle boil. Then lightly mash the berries with a fork or a potato masher.

3. Remove from the heat and stir in the soaked chia seeds. Let the mixture cools and then transfer the mixture or a storage jar or container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to thicken.  

Nutrition facts per tablespoon: 20 calories, 0 grams fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 0 mg sodium, 5 grams carbs, 1 gram fiber, 4 grams sugar, 0 grams protein

Mixed Berry Chia Pudding Parfait

Chia pudding is such a delicious treat! PLUS, when you make a BATCH, you will have four servings ready to go for a perfect snack or mini meal.

A big bonus of chia seeds beyond the omega-3 fats they deliver is that they are loaded with fiber, which makes this filling! You could switch this up and pair it with other favorite fruit, use a different type of milk (this calls for coconut milk), or even add an extra drizzle of maple syrup if needed.

Mixed Berry Chia Pudding Parfait (Image: Owen Morgan)

Mixed Berry Chia Pudding Parfait (Image: Molly Morgan)

Mixed Berry Chia Pudding Parfait
Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups unsweetened vanilla coconut milk
1/2 cup chia seeds
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 cup frozen mixed berries*
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 tablespoons Barlean’s Lemon Creme Omega Swirl (for serving)
1 cup+ fresh blueberries (for serving)

*I used Wyman’s frozen mixed berries!

Directions:

1. In a small bowl whisk together the milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir in the frozen mixed berries. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or for best results, overnight.

2. Divide among serving containers, drizzle container with omega swirl, layer the chia pudding and fresh blueberries. Then finish with a drizzle of omega swirl and fresh blueberries.

For more info on Barlean’s Omega Swirl, click here

Nutrition facts (per serving): 200 calories, 9 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 20 milligrams sodium, 30 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams fiber, 19 grams sugar, 2 grams protein

Recipe: Chia Cherry Lentil Muffins

These delicious muffins deliver 5 grams of protein each - plus 2 grams of fiber! The fiber and protein boost comes from the lentils incorporated in the muffins. Check out this recipe and to learn more on how lentils can benefit your health - listen to a recent radio interview registered dietitian, Molly Morgan, click here.

Photo Credit: Novel Studios

Chia Cherry Lentil Muffins

Yield 16 Muffins

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups (370 mL) lentils, cooked
1/2 cup (120 mL) 100% orange juice
2 cups (475 mL) white wheat pastry flour
1 teaspoon (5 mL) salt
2 tablespoons (30 mL) chia seeds
1/2 cup (120 mL) sugar
1/2 cup (120 mL) vegetable or canola oil
1/2 cup (120 mL) vanilla yogurt
2 eggs
1 cup (250 mL) dried tart cherries

Directions:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Prepare 16 muffin tins with paper liners or non-stick cooking spray.

2. Combine the cooked lentils and orange juice in a food processor until the lentils are pureed.

3. In a large mixing bowl combine the pureed lentils, white wheat pastry flour and salt. Stir to combine.

4. Then add chia seeds, sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla yogurt, and eggs. Stir to combine. Then add-in the dried cherries and stir to combine.

6. Pour 1/3 of the muffin mixture in each of the muffin tins. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool the muffins on a cooling rack.

Nutrition Facts (per muffin): 210 calories, 8 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 25 milligrams cholesterol, 160 milligrams sodium, 32 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 15 grams sugar, 5 grams protein