Banana Coconut-Cream Chia Pudding with Cardamom

There's not much in this world better than a rich and creamy pudding. Produce on Parade: Banana Coconut Cream Chia Pudding with Cardamom

Did you know some people don't like bananas? I know! I had no idea either until recently, but apparently it's true. I won't hold it against anyone if they happen to be one of these people, however, unfortunately...this recipe is not for them. Which, obviously makes me sad.

Produce on Parade: Banana Coconut Cream Chia Pudding with Cardamom

Who'd want to miss this pudding. It's is dairy-free, lavished in bananas, and blended with creamy coconut milk. The chia seeds set up this sweet treat into a proper "pudding" consistency. No runny pudding here. No sir. The dash of cardamom and  boost from the banana extract lends just the right amount of unexpected intrigue into an otherwise fairly ordinary vegan banana pudding.

Banana Coconut-Cream Chia Pudding with Cardamom 

Inspired by Vegan Yack Attack

Makes 4 cups/4 servings

  • 4 medium sized ripe bananas
  • 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup. water
  • 2 Tbsp. maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp. molasses
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp. banana extract
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. chia seeds

 

Slice up the bananas and place in the blender. Add the coconut milk after ensuring it's been shaken up well, then add the remaining ingredients. Hold the chia seeds.

[gallery type="rectangular" ids="489,491,488"]

Blend all those nummies on high until silky smooth. After blended, add the chia seeds and stir with spatula until well combined. Don't blend them though! I just did this in the blender (one less dish to wash). Pour the pudding mixture into 4 individual bowls and chill for at least 1 hour to overnight.

Produce on Parade: Banana Coconut Cream Chia Pudding with Cardamom

Seriously, how could someone not like bananas? Top the puddings with flaked or shredded coconut and dried or fresh banana slices.

All I ate for lunch today was a baggie of dried banana chips. Ugh. What is wrong with me!? Remember how in yesterday's post I mentioned I'd live off banana chips if I could...it's really not a stretch for me...

A Tropical Green Smoothie

So, I've kind of not been eating breakfast lately. It's not the best thing to do...I know this. I'm aware this is no bueno, but you know sometimes in the morning you just really can't bring yourself to eat anything! Yea, that's been me for like the last month. Anyways, so instead of actually consuming breakfast, I've just have been making these gianormous green smoothies in the mornings, then drinking them for lunch! It must be muscle memory or something. I make enough for Todd too of course. He's like a little kid...gotta sneak in those veggies where you can. Potato bread with Earth Balance morning, noon and night is not an acceptable diet. Hey, I never said we were perfect. I'd live solely off banana chips if I knew it could adequately sustain me...

What's this mean for you, dear reader? It means a green smoothie recipe! Yay! As always, use what works for you and what you have on hand.

Produce on Parade: A Tropical Green Smoothie

That's a blender full of health right there.

Produce on Parade: A Tropical Green Smoothie

A Tropical Green Smoothie

Inspired by...just me

Makes 5 cups

  • 2 cups non-canned coconut milk (or other non-dairy milk)
  • 2 large handfuls of baby kale or spinach
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen tropical fruit mix (mine was mango, pineapple, strawberries and peaches)
  • 1/2 cup frozen berries (whatever type you prefer, I used blueberries, blackberries and raspberries)
  • 1/4 tsp. fenugreek seeds (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp. loose leaf green tea
  • 2 Tbsp. whole flax seeds
  • 1/2 tsp. erythritol or other sweetener
  • splash of vanilla extract
  • dash of ground cinnamon

[gallery type="rectangular" ids="472,470"]

 

Pour the milk into the blender first, followed by the kale and finally the frozen fruits and remaining ingredients. Blend well, about 1-2 minutes.

Oh green, tropically goodness.