Chia Seed Kheer (Vegan Indian Dessert)

Chia Seeds are an ancient grain that called Salvia Hispanica which grows in the deserts of Mexico.  They were used by the Aztecs and Mayans as energy and endurance boosters.  In fact, the word "Chia" means strength.  They are considered a concentrated food meaning that these tiny seeds pack a serious punch when it comes to healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates (the healthy kind) protein, fiber, antioxidants and calcium.

This is a version of the Indian dessert Kheer without the processed white rice that is normally used.

Ingredients

1 Cup of Silk Vanilla Coconut Milk (carton)

1/4 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk

2 Tablespoons of Agave Syrup

1 tsp of ground cardamom

1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon 

4 Tablespoons of Chia Seeds

unsweetened Coconut Shavings

Sliced Almonds

Directions

Mix all ingredients (except coconut shavings and sliced almonds) in a tupperware or other container with a lid.

Seal tight and shake.

Store in refrigerator for at least 5 hours.

Serve cold with Coconut Shavings and Sliced Almonds as garnish

Sesame Seaweed Salad

This is one of my all time favorites.  It's super filling which is great for dieting and seaweed is a power food.  Wakame seaweed is packed with iron and contains 10 times the amount of calcium than a glass of milk.

Ingredients

3/4 ounce dried wakame seaweed

3 Tbsp. Rice Wine vinegar

1 Tbsp. Sesame Oil

1 Tbsp. Coconut Aminos (soy sauce/tamari)

1 tsp. agave nectar (raw sugar)

1/2 Tbsp Chili Oil

Hot Pepper Flakes

Directions

Soak the seaweed in a bowl of warm water for seven to 10 minutes.  Drain in a colander and pat dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner if you have one (there is one available to guests at Chateau Mooseknuckle)

Cut seaweed into think noodle-like strips

In a small bowl combine the rice wine vinegar, Coconut amines and agave nectar and whisk.  If you are using sugar, whisk until it is well dissolved. 

Continue whisking and slowly add the sesame and chili oil

Add the seaweed to the bowl and toss well.

Add the sesame seeds and chili flakes and toss again

Serve immediately 

Dried Wakame Seaweed (Eden brand)

Coconut Yogurt with Chia Seed Gel in Organic fruit Juice

Ingredients

⅓	cup of high quality or fresh organic juice
	(I used apple/berry in this recipe)
1	Tablespoon of Chia Seeds
1	Cup of Plain Coconut Yogurt
1	Tablespoon of Toasted Slivered Almonds

Directions

I started with Evolution’s Apple Berry Fiber Smoothie
Pour 1/3 cup of juice into a glass and stir in 1 Tablespoon of Chia Seeds.
I use Whole Food’s 365 brand Chia seeds.
Let the seeds sit for about 15 minutes stirring occasionally until they
form a gel.
Stir the Gel into the Yogurt and Top with slivered almonds.
This is filling and healthy and the gel can be made ahead of time for a quick bite in the morning.