Cherries & Apple Bowl

Cherry Apple Chia Pudding is a delightful and nutritious dessert or breakfast option that’s not only bursting with flavor but also packed with health benefits. This recipe combines the sweet and tart flavors of cherries, the crispness of apples, and the superfood goodness of chia seeds. It’s an easy-to-make dish that requires minimal effort and offers a refreshing way to start your day or satisfy your sweet tooth. With just 15 minutes of preparation time and some overnight chilling, you’ll have a tasty and wholesome treat ready to enjoy.

Servings: 4

Preparation Time: 15 minutes 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups frozen cherries, pitted
• 4 dates, pitted and chopped roughly
• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds

INSTRUCTIONS:

Blend the Cherry Mixture:

1. In a high-speed blender, add the frozen cherries and roughly chopped dates.
2. Pulse until you achieve a smooth and luscious cherry sauce. This will be the base of your pudding.

Prepare the Fruity Mix:

1. In a large bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and chopped apple with the fresh, pitted cherries.
2. Add in the nutritious chia seeds to this fruity mix. Chia seeds will absorb liquid and create a pudding-like consistency as they sit.

Incorporate the Cherry Sauce:

1. Pour the cherry sauce from the blender into the bowl containing the fruity mix.
2. Gently stir everything together, ensuring that the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
3. The mixture will start to thicken as the chia seeds absorb moisture, creating a pudding-like texture.

Chill Overnight:

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent any moisture loss.
2. Refrigerate the mixture and let it chill overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the chia seeds to fully swell and create the perfect pudding consistency.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Before serving, give the pudding a good stir to ensure an even texture.
2. Spoon the Cherry Apple Chia Pudding into individual bowls or jars.
3. You can garnish it with additional fresh cherries or a sprinkle of chia seeds if desired.

TIPS:

• Use frozen cherries for a convenient and consistent flavor, but feel free to use fresh ones if they’re in season for an extra burst of freshness.
• Make sure to pit both the frozen and fresh cherries to avoid any unwanted surprises.
• Choosing ripe, sweet apples will enhance the overall taste of the pudding. You can use your favorite apple variety.
• For added sweetness and a caramel-like richness, consider using Medjool dates.
• Don’t skip the chia seeds! They are not only responsible for the pudding’s texture but also provide essential nutrients and fiber.
• Feel free to customize your pudding by adding a sprinkle of your favorite nuts or a drizzle of honey before serving.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 1.9g
• Carbohydrates: 28.2g
• Fiber: 5.1g
• Sugar: 21.6g
• Protein: 2.2g

This Cherry Apple Chia Pudding not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a nutritious kickstart to your day. It’s rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, making it a guilt-free pleasure for your health-conscious lifestyle. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a wholesome breakfast, this recipe is a delicious way to incorporate more fruit and chia seeds into your diet. So, go ahead and indulge in this delectable treat!