• Cooking Time: overnight
• Servings: 1
• Preparation Time: 10
• 1/2 cup frozen berries I prefer mixed frozen berries (or fresh berries, diced)
• 1/2 cup whole milk such as: a nut milk or coconut milk
• 1/2 tsp sweetener to taste, pure maple syrup or honey (optional)*
• 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract to taste
• 2 TB chia seeds

1. Place the frozen berries in a medium-size bowl. Allow the berries to defrost until they're slightly soft. Slightly mash the berries with the back of a fork. The goal is just soft, slightly-mashed berries; not a berry puree. If there's lots of extra juice (this depends on your berries), set that aside and use it in smoothies or for something else.
2. Place the slightly-mashed berries in the bottom of a mason jar (or a tall storage jar with a lid). I use a tall 8-ounce mason jar. Keep in mind, this recipe makes one jar of pudding.
3. Using the same bowl, whisk together the milk, sweetener (if using), and vanilla extract. Sprinkle the chia seeds over the milk mixture and then vigorously whisk in the chia seeds. Make sure you whisk the chia seeds and milk mixture immediately upon contact, too. There shouldn't be any chia seed clumps at this point. If you see clumps, keep whisking.
4. Pour the chia milk over the berries. Give the milk mixture a little swirl with a spoon if the chia seeds begin to settle towards the bottom. Place the lid on the jar, and then place the jar in the fridge. Allow the chia seeds to set, which turns the milk into a thicker consistency. This can take several hours or overnight. Also, if you notice that the chia seeds are clumping together after a few hours, give the chia mixture a stir to distribute the seeds evenly.
5. Serve the pudding cold. Optional: Top the pudding with additional frozen (defrosted berries), sliced bananas, coconut or toasted coconut, granola, or nut butter. Or, just enjoy the pudding as-is.

This is such a delicious breakfast and would make a great dessert with a dallop of low carb whipped topping!