Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding with Sugared Pecans

The first signs of fall are showing up in the nip of the evening air and of course the leaves are just starting to turn. And, I've developed a bit of a sweet tooth these last few days. My latest offering is a Pumpkin Chia Pudding that tastes a lot like Pumpkin Pie. But, it's sweetened with Maple Syrup and topped with Sugary Pecans. These nuts are so good that you might find yourself making them just for themselves and the recipe works for walnuts and almonds too. I liked this Pumpkin Pudding so much that I may very well serve this for Thanksgiving instead of making a pie. I made it for dessert, but you could just as easily eat it for breakfast. It's creamy and rich and full of the spices that make you think of Autumn. Pumpkin is also full of Vitamin A and is a very grounding food and the Chia Seeds are especially good for digestion. I served it to the students in a class and it was a big hit.  I hope you try this one!

Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding with Sugared Pecans

Pumpkin Puree - 14 oz can

¼ cup Chia Seeds

1 cup Almond Milk

1 1/2 teaspoons Cinnamon

½ teaspoon Ginger

¼ teaspoon Nutmeg

¼ teaspoon Cloves

2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt

The night before, put the Chia Seeds and the Almond Milk in a container. Then mix together the Chia mixture with the Pumpkin Puree, the spices, Maple Syrup and the Salt.  Refrigerate for at least two hours or until ready to serve. Top with chopped Sugared Pecans before serving.  

Sugared Pecans

1 cup pecan halves

2 Tablespoons Butter, Salted

2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

Melt Butter over Medium heat.  Add pecans and toss to coat with butter. Add in the brown sugar and stir until caramelized - about 4 to 5 minutes. You will see the sugar mixture getting thicker, the pecans getting toasted and it will smell wonderful! Spread pecan on parchment paper or wax paper to cool.  Break up slightly to sprinkle on top of pudding. 

Five Element Analysis

Pumpkin and all fall squashes belong to the Earth family with that beautiful orange flesh and natural sweetness and this is a sweet dessert so it is definitely an Earth Food. The Chia Seeds add the Water Element and the Maple Syrup brings in the Wood Element. The Spices contribute the Metal Element. Only the Fire Element is missing so have this pudding with a cup of tea and you will have a balanced little dessert or breakfast!