Chia Agua Fresca

I am not one of those gals that enjoys clothes shopping.  In fact, it downright stresses me out.  What basics do you need in your closet?  How do you figure out your size?  What is the heck is the difference between flared and boot cut jeans?  Do shoes that look nice, don't hurt your feet, and are waterproof even exist?  

The nice thing about summer is that I tend to do well with bright colored tops, capris, and sandals.  This is a winning combination in my book.  And if I lived somewhere where these things could be worn year-round I would probably be a much more fashionable person.

My talent lies in the kitchen.  I can stock a kitchen pantry like nobody's business.  I can take random bits from your fridge and create a meal any day.  And I can always take some produce just-past-its-prime and turn it into something incredible.

The inspiration behind this week's chia agua fresca is that I just needed a way to use up half a watermelon.  Done and done. And delicious.

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Raw Chocolate Superfood Pudding

Do you ever have those days when, no matter what you do, you just can't stop thinking about something sweet?  I do.  Usually I can get away with munching on some raw carrot sticks or eating a piece of fruit to fill the urge.  But today?  Today is all about the chocolate.

And let me be clear: this is no ordinary chocolate dessert.  There is no flour, oil, or refined sugar in this one. Instead, this dessert is loaded up with four incredible raw superfoods to create a delectable, rich, and creamy chocolate pudding that will leave your taste buds and your body feeling satisfied.


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Easy Overnight Oats

I was recently told that I look like the girl from the TV show Northern Exposure.  I know that I live in the Pacific Northwest and all, but this is not exactly the best compliment.  It must be time for a haircut.  And time to stop wearing hiking boots to work.

I've also recently been told that I look like the girl from the Verizon poster in the downtown Seattle bus tunnel.  That's slighty more flattering, thanks. 

A few years ago when I had much longer hair, I was often compared to Kelly Clarkson and, my personal favorite look-alike, Catherine Zeta Jones.  I guess since I don't hear that comparison anymore it can only mean one thing:  forget the haircut, it's time for a make-over.  

My breakfast also needed a makeover recently.  And since I apparently need to spend much more time on my appearance, my new breakfast had to be quick as well as healthy and delicious.  I used to always go straight for my morning green smoothie, but overnight oats are a nice option too and just as quick.

Have you ever heard of overnight oats?  You take regular rolled oats and instead of cooking them, you soak them in milk overnight and serve them cold.  Genius!  I love this version with chia seeds added in.

If you've never heard of chia seeds before, you're probably wondering what they heck they are and why you would want to eat them.  Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and are high in antioxidant properties.  They look like small greyish seeds that form a thick gel when soaked in liquid.  This "chia gel" is very filling and hydrating and I've heard it's used by athletes after races. 

The trick with the chia seeds is to make sure they are well-soaked.  When I was first experimenting with them, I tried a chia pudding recipe that called for soaking them ten minutes before eating.  This is definitely not long enough.  When you eat chia seeds they shouldn't have any crunch to them at all, but should simply taste like a soft gel.  I know that sounds so delicious that you must be rushing to your kitchen to make this.

 Alright, if you're not already convinced then know that it's really the toppings that give this dish the extra oomph.  Try topping it with some warm berries (my personal favorite), your favorite nut butter, fresh fruit, dried fruit, chopped up walnuts, and/or a drizzle of some pure maple syrup.  You can add whatever other toppings you like, just don't forget to put your oats in the fridge the night before.

Easy Overnight Oats
From Oh She Glows
Serves 1

2 tablespoons chia seeds
1/3 cup regular rolled oats
3/4 cup milk (rice, soy, and almond all work great)
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Mix together ingredients in a bowl.  I like to add my chia seeds first and make sure they are well mixed in with the milk before adding the oats.  Since the chia seeds are light, they can sometimes float to the top (and do not absorb the liquid) so I usually check them about 10 minutes later and stir them again if necessary.  Put the bowl in the fridge to sit overnight.  Wake up in the morning, top with your favorite toppings and serve cold.