Chia Seed Jam

This jam is an easy spread to have on hand for the holidays, or for everyday life. Easy to alter to your tastes, this recipe only calls for 3 ingredients and takes about 10 minutes to create – start to finish.

Ingredients:

• 1 – 1 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• either 1/2 banana, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp maple syrup or 1 soaked medjool date
• 1/2 tsp of cinnamon

Optional Ingredients:

• 1/2 tbsp of ground flax meal
• 1/2 tsp of amla powder

Directions:

Step 1: Place 1 – 1 1/2 cup of frozen mixed berries (or berries of choice) into a jar and leave the jar out at room temp or in the refrigerator until the berries are thawed.

Step 2:  Once the berries are thawed, mash the berries in the jar with a fork or use a hand blender.

Step 3:  Once the desired texture is achieved (add 1 – 2 tsp of filtered water to achieve thinner texture), add sweetener of choice (mash in banana or soaked medjool date,  or maple syrup). Then add 2 tbsp of chia seeds and any optional ingredients. Stir mixture.

Step 4: Wait about 5 minutes for chia seeds to expand and absorb fluid. Stir again and then spread.

Alternative option: If pressed for time, add 1 – 1 1/2 cup frozen berries to a small pot over medium heat. Once berries begin to thaw, mash berries with a fork in the pot while over heat. Bring to a boil and stir. Reduce heat to simmer approx 1 – 2 minute then remove from heat and stir. Transfer to jar and follow steps 3 & 4.

Notes: One cup of mixed berries yields about 40 mg of vitamin C. 2 TBSP of chia seeds yields approx 11 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, magnesium, manganese, calcium and phosphorus. Add the nutritional benefits of flaxseed and cinnamon and something as easy as jam is now a nutrient rich, naturally health promoting food.