gluten free

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Christmas Chocolate Chia Trifle

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Christmas Chocolate Chia Trifle
Christmas Chocolate Chia Trifle
Christmas Chocolate Chia Trifle
Christmas Chocolate Chia Trifle

Trifle is a tradition in my family. I am hosting Christmas this year and I have decided to do a plant-based one because not only do I want a healthier Christmas but I want to show my family how easy it is to become mindful of the amount of meat and animal products we consume. You don't have to be vegan for this, you just have to care more about your environment and your body and think do I need as much as I take?  
I have been eating healthier and my body has been thanking me for it. Your will to if you give it a go. I don't want to have a full-blown sugar binge if I don't have to. I mean just look at this Trifle. Does it not tick all the boxes on every level? My mouth is watering just looking at it! You can play around by adding different nuts, nut butter and dark chocolate. 

It's so easy to make and a lot quicker than a normal Trifle. Plus it is refined sugar-free, gluten free and dairy free! 

Makes 2-3 glasses depending on glass size

Ingredients:

Chia layer:

  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 
  • 1 tablespoon 100% maple syrup 
  • 1 cup almond milk 
  • 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk

Chocolate mousse layer:

Other layers:

  • 1/2 cup sugar-free granola - You can find great options at your local health store.  
  • 1 - 2 fresh bananas sliced 
  • 50 grams pecan nuts, chopped 
  • 2 tablespoons almond butter
  • Banana bread *optional. You can bake a vegan bread or find one at your local health store. 
  • fresh cherries *optional 

In a medium pot over a medium heat add all ingredients for the chia layer. Bring to a simmer stirring often. Once the chia seeds begin to absorb the liquid, about 5 minutes of simmering, turn the heat off and set aside. The other option if you have time is to combine all ingredients and leave them in a jar in the fridge overnight. 

In a tall glasses begin assembling your trifle. Begin with two tablespoons of Chia pudding, then two tablespoons of chocolate mousse. Add the sliced banana. Top with granola and nuts and repeat ending off on a chocolate layer. Top the trifles with granola, almond butter and torn pieces of banana bread. 

Buckwheat porridge with caramelized banana

Buckwheat porridge with caramelized banana

*Serves 1

This is a really great meal if you are bored with your usual, mundane breakfast. It is easy, delicious and different. Banana is decadent and sweet paired with the crunch of the almonds this breakfast is enough to satisfy any cravings! 

Ingredients:

  • 300g buckwheat
  • coconut oil
  • 1 ½ cups almond milk
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
  • 1 teaspoon agave or raw honey
  • 1 banana, sliced to your liking
  • 1 handful raw almonds

Instructions:

Soak the buckwheat in water overnight, then drain and rinse.

In a medium frying pan over a medium heat add a teaspoon of coconut oil and fry the buckwheat until golden brown, about five minutes.

Add the almond milk, cinnamon, turmeric, vanilla, and honey. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed. Dish the porridge into a bowl and set aside.

In the same frying pan, add a teaspoon of coconut oil and the banana and fry on a medium heat until sticky and caramelized, roughly five minutes. Once caramelized, add the banana to the porridge. Top with almonds and serve.

Health fact:

Buckwheat is high in fiber and gluten-free. Combined with the turmeric which is anti-inflammatory, this breakfast will pack a punch, and what is breakfast for if not for energy!

-Melissa