Sesame Milk Chia Pudding

Plant Based Milk Alternatives

I have been drinking almond milk for years and have been happy with the taste of the product. What concerns me about almond milk is that it takes ONE GALLON OF WATER to produce JUST ONE NUT. Living in California and experiencing droughts, water restrictions, and fires, I wish to find another plant based milk source that is more sustainable.

Hope & Sesame

A new product, Sesame Milk,  entered the marketplace last year and I just had an opportunity to try it. Hope & Sesame has brought to the marketplace delicious sesame milk in original, original unsweetend, vanilla, chocolate, and chocolate hazelnut flavors. The creamy milk is wonderful. Each flavor is great. I can find a way to use each one...I cannot decide which is my favorite!

Hope & Sesame sesamemilks contain Sesamein, their very own plant-based protein concentrate. An 8 ounce glass of sesame milk contains 8 grams of protein (as much as dairy milk) with less sugar, more Vitamin D, no dairy, and no lactose.

Sesame has many nutritional benefits:

• high in protein
• high in magnesium
• reduces blood pressure
• reduces cholesterol
• boosts heart health
• boosts respiratory health
• prevents cancer
• good for digestion
• good for healthy skin
• relieves arthritis
• protects the liver from alcohol
• prevents wrinkles
• encourages bone health

Sesame Milk provides nutrients including:

• Plant-protein
• Heart- healthy fatty acids
• Calcium
• Iron
• Phosphorus
• Selenium
• Manganese
• Magnesium
• Copper
• B-complex vitamins
• Zinc

Sesame Milk Uses

Drink sesamemilk on its own or use it in recipes. Today I used Chocolate Hazelnut Sesamemilk as my blank canvas and created Chocolate Hazelnut Chia Pudding. Today we ate this is a dessert.

Ingredients:
1 cup Chocolate Hazelnut Sesamemilk
1/8 cup chia seeds (organic if possible)
VARIATIONS: Fresh fruit, seeds, nuts, or granola as a topping (if desired)




Instructions

• Stir the chia seeds in the milk until fully covered with liquid
• Let set in the refrigerator for at least an hour
• Stir to desired consistency ... NOTE: I wanted my chia pudding a bit thicker so I added an additional 1 TBSP of chia seeds at this point, stirred, and let the pudding set for another 30 minutes
• Serve when set or wait a day
• I served both plain and with bananas and coconut ... top based on your flavor/texture preferences

NOTE: This can be served for breakfast or dessert based on presentation/toppings.

Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly Flour for Holiday Baking

People who need to eat a special diet seem to search for the best flours to use to create the perfect baked good ... perhaps one that reminds them of what they ate before their diet changed. There are many flours on the market that are delicious and nutritious and can be used for holiday baking.

Almond Flour/Almond Meal

Almond flour is made from skinned almonds that are ground into a fine flour that can be great for baking. It is low in carbs and maintains an almost identical nutrient profile as whole almonds. Almond flour has polyunsaturated fats, which provide omega-3 fatty acids. Almond flour has a slightly nutty flavor and is great for savory breads, muffins, dense cakes (such as carrot cake), and meatloaf.

I love using Almond Flour to make granola bars and carrot cake. Follow the hyperlink for my recipes.

Cassava Flour

Cassava flour or tapioca starch derives from the starchy root vegetable known as yucca or cassava. Like almond flour, it too is gluten free and paleo friendly. Cassava flour is used to thicken sauces and soups, and is great for baking cakes, muffins, biscuits, or sandwich breads.

Coconut Flour

Coconut flour is a gluten free, grain-free, and allergen-friendly flour. It is high in fiber and iron and an excellent choice for either savory or sweet recipes. Coconut flour provides a slight coconut flavor to dishes and is very absorbent. When you use it in baking, add extra liquid. I find success modifying recipes and using part coconut flour and part almond flour.

Tigernut Flour

Tigernut is a root vegetable about the size of a chickpea that grows in Northern Africa and the Mediterranean. It has a crisp outside and a chewy center. Tigernut flour is naturally gluten free and high in protein, fiber, iron, and potassium. It can be used for both baking and cooking. Tigernut flour is sweet and earthy; it is a perfect paleo ingredient to use in low-carb breads and cookies.

 

Plantain Flour

Plantain flour is gluten free and lower in calories than regular all-purpose flour. It is rich in iron and potassium and is loaded with vitamin A and vitamin B. Plantain flour can be used to make flour-less banana bread, pancakes, and brownies. It has been a staple in Caribbean/West Indian cooking for many years and is just starting to catch on in the USA.




I have regularly used Almond and Coconut Flours from Bob's Red Mill for many years. I am excited to try the other flours and let you know what results I have!

If you wish additional details, read Jenny Ivy's article 5 paleo-friendly flours for the holiday season at Delicious Living.

Did you ever think it would be possible to hold JAM in your HAND?

I love the line of products from Zego. Their Fruit & Chia bars taste like JAM! Yes, Zego has provided you with the opportunity to hold JAM in your HAND without getting messy.

A HEALTHY JAM in your HAND
Fruit & Chia Bars come in Blueberry, Raspberry, and Strawberry flavors. The addition of chia creates a JAM like texture and adds:

• crunch
• extra fiber
• protein
• Omega 3 fatty acids
• calcium

Zego Fruit & Chia Bars are made with natural ingredients and satisfy you with natural sugars rather than artificial. They have a natural sweetness from the berries, but are not overly sweet.

Imagine the possibilities
I love knowing that I can pack one in my pocket to fuel me when I am out on a hike, riding my bike, or taking a jog and they will not melt. The bars are portable and can go with you in a school lunch, in your purse, in your car, in a gym bag, in your desk at work, or in your carry-on luggage.

 Pack a Zego wherever you go!