Happy Monday my lovely readers! I am coming off of a ridiculously awesome weekend- board game cafe with specialty coffees, farmer’s markets, beer halls and wonderful company. I feel recharged, happy and ready to head into this week.
I am so happy that it’s finally fall! There’s a chill in the air and I just know that soon the leaves will start to change. I love how my face gets cold when I’m walking home and that I can wear sweaters and scarves without over heating. Bring on the pumpkin!
That being said, I have one final summery recipe to share with you all! I highly recommend taking advantage of the last of the berried and making this Strawberry Chia Jam. It’s so good spread on toast, dolloped on top of oatmeal, drizzled to over pancakes, or just eaten with a spoon!
This recipe all started a couple weeks ago with a visit to the market where there was a deal I just couldn’t pass up. $5 for three baskets of strawberries. Um, how could I not?? Who cares that my kitchen is tiny and I am only grocery shopping for myself. I needed to have them! So I trucked them home and faced the challenge of using them right away to prevent them from going bad. Because I just hate wasting food- especially delicious, ripe, juicy berries that will soon be out of season, and all that will remain are their white, tasteless imposters.
Since I had just moved in, I hadn’t yet stocked my fridge with all the things I like to have around, jam being one of them. So what a perfect opportunity to solve 2 problems in one go.
I opted to make an almost-raw jam for simplicity’s sake and to preserve those valuable enzymes and when making a raw jam, chia seeds are your best friend. They absorb liquid creating a gel, thickening the jam and giving it texture. The chia seeds also make this jam a fantastic source of omega-3 fats and fibre- what traditional, store-bought jam can make that claim??
It’s naturally sweetened with just a little maple syrup (making it not completely raw) and stevia, but you could use only stevia if you so wished, or maybe some coconut nectar or honey. It’s not an overly sweet jam, but it really lets the wonderful flavour of in season, ripe, local strawberries shine!
This recipe makes about 3 cups, but it freezes and defrosts well. So make up a batch and store it in 3 containers and you’ll have jam to get you through the cold season! Or at least for a few weeks- it’s difficult to make it last ;)
Strawberry Chia Jam (Vegan, Gluten-free, Sugar-free, Raw Option)
Ingredients (3 cups)
- 4 cups hulled strawberries
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp maple syrup, or agave/coconut nectar for completely raw)
- 15-20 drops stevia
- 2 + 2 tbsp chia seeds, divided
Instructions
Blend the strawberries, water, maple syrup, stevia and 2 tbsp chia seeds together. Pour into a bowl and stir in the remaining chia seeds. Cover and let chill in the fridge for at least 60 minutes before serving. Can be stored in the freezer and defrosted! Keeps for a couple weeks once defrosted.
I'm sharing this recipe on Allergy-Free Wednesdays, Raw Foods Thursdays and Wellness Weekends!
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Now, I’m sure you’ve all noticed by now that all my pictures of this jam are of a wildly decadent looking breakfast. This my friends, was the breakfast I enjoyed on my birthday, and it was an amazingly delicious way to start the day. Store-bought gluten-free waffles and coconut milk ice cream make this a snap to whip up, but bonus points if you make your own. The ice cream gets all melty on top of the warm waffles and the strawberry jam provides some lovely sweetness and tartness. Plus you’ve got some chia, fruit and whole grains in there so it’s not a completely lost cause, nutritionally ;)
Birthday Waffle Breakfast
- 2 gluten-free vegan waffles, toasted (I used Nature’s Path Buckwheat Wildberry Frozen Waffle)
- 2 scoops of dairy-free ice cream (I used So Delicious Coconut Milk Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert in Chocolate)
- 2 tbsp strawberry chia jam (recipe above)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Mix together the strawberry chia jam with the maple syrup. Top the waffles with the ice cream and jam mixture and dig in, thanking yourself profusely for this delicious treat!
How were your weekends?
Are you excited for fall, or are you clinging to the last vestiges of summer with all your might?
Enjoy your weeks everyone!
I really want to make this jam, but i’m so confused about how much of the chia seeds i need?? 2+2? Thanks for any advice!
Brittany
Hey Brittany! Yes sorry, I probably could have made that more clear! You need 4 tbsp total, but divided, because you will add them in at different times- 2 tbsp in one step, then the second 2 tbsp in another!
Hope you like it!
Oh yeah…I am all for epic breakfasts…
Sometimes they are just necessary!
Hi Gabby! We tried this on Sunday with raspberries (’cause we had them) and it was great! So easy and yummy. We had it with cream cheese crepes ~ totally delish. Thanks so much for the inspiration. I think this might become a staple :-)
That’s so great Andrea! I’m really glad you enjoyed it- that breakfast sounds amazing!!
Happy Belated Birthday, Gabby! What a perfect dessert for a celebration. Ice-cream and waffles are some of my favorites. Ever!
Thank you! They have always been some of my favourites but I’d never had them together before! *swoon*
Several years ago, in Spain, I enjoyed (almost daily) gelato served on a belgium waffle. Your post today has me craving those gelato waffles again! I adore your vegan version even more and I LOVE that you indulged like this on your birthday and then shared it with us!
I love chia jam, though I haven’t made it with strawberries yet- I think that’ll be my next batch!
I have never had waffles with ice cream before, but it’s a seriously amazing combination! I would enjoy it every morning if I could! I think it’s important to indulge every now and then, and what better way than dessert for breakfast?
It’s reallly delicious with strawberries, you’ll love it!
Now that’s a breakfast!!! Divine Gabby. I’m still posting summer recipes because Im behind! lol
Thanks Heather! It felt so strange to be posting a summer recipe when it’s getting so chilly! But might as well make the most of the last few berries ;)
Waffles & ice cream is the best combo! & that chia jam looks great. :)
Happy (belated) Birthday!
Thank you so much Laura! It was certainly delicious!
Oh yes, fruity chia jam is a favourite of mine….. man I miss fruit! How GOOD is coconut ice cream!?! It should be illegal it’s so good…. actually no, not illegal because then I would have to become a criminal ;)
Aww Lou, someday soon!! I know, I’m kind of glad it’s so expensive so I won’t buy it a lot lol. But it’s definitely good for a treat! And there are worse things than being an ice cream indulging criminal :)
Hurrah for a wonderful weekends of restorative joy!! And this jam looks perfect for spooning together with, say, almond or cashew butter…
It would make a pretty epic nut butter and jam sandwich ;)
What an amazing birthday breakfast! Love it! And that jam recipe sounds just perfect. : )
Thanks Raechel! I can’t wait to try it with other fruits!
holy cow -YUM! what an absolutely incredible way to start the day! I approve!!
Hehe thanks Caralyn! If only everyday could start that way ;)
Ice cream for breakfast – I like it :-)
Looks fabulous Gabby!
XXX
Thank you Anne! Ice cream is never a bad idea ;)
Waw! What a lovely breakfast, I agree!
That home-made strawberry chia jam looks so pretty in pink & so tasty too! I also love that vegan chocolate ice cream & those yummy looking toasted vegan waffles: triple yum!
Thanks Sophie! It was an excellent combination if I do say so myself :)
girl i LOVE that you treated yourself to this absolutely amazing looking breakfast. you deserve it!
Thanks hun! Sometimes you just need to splurge, even if that means dessert for breakfast :)
That is one amazing breakfast. Definitely fit for a birthday! I think after having it I wouldn’t want to wait a whole year for the next one though :P
Haha I’m not going to lie to you, I had this 2 more times- once with waffles and once with french toast :)
That IS an epic breakfast Gabby! I’ve yet to try a chia jam – I think it is high time for sure! And I wish that was my birthday breakfast….maybe next year! :)
Yes Shira thank you! You should definitely try chia jam- it just comes together so quickly and really lets you celebrate the fresh taste of the fruit! I really want to try it with other fruits now, like figs :)
Hehe no need to wait until your birthday- sometimes regular days can use a little something special too!
Have a great week my dear!
I discovered your blog recently and like it very much! This weekend was my birthday too :) Happy Birthday! Waffles with ice cream is a great idea, especially with that jam.
Thank you Catherine! I’m so glad :)
I’d never done waffles with ice cream before, but I can tell you that that will not be the last time!
Happy birthday, Gabby! We’re delighted to know we could help you celebrate your special day so deliciously!
Thank you Gail :)
Nice one, Gabby! I’ve made chia jam, too, but I simmered it on the stovetop and never even thought of storing it in the freezer (it didn’t last that long, anyhow). What a great way to preserve the summer harvest. Do you think chia puddings freeze, too?
Thanks Janet! I find since I’m really only cooking for one now (when I was living with my parents they helped a bit) I find no matter how little of something I make, there’s always leftovers! Not a bad thing though.
You know, I’ve never even thought to freeze chia puddings, but I can’t see why they wouldn’t! That’s actually a brilliant idea- breakfasts/desserts ready to go, just defrost the night before and BAM. I’m going to have to try this.
I’m so glad that you had a great weekend! A board game cafe sounds like so much fun! I’m glad you were able to recharge and relax! It’s so important to have that in life and I discovered how beneficial it is this past weekend as well :) I also felt recharged and am ready for my trip to Florida! And as you know, I’m definitely embracing fall. I am SO EXCITED that it is finally here! I don’t even know where to start with fall recipes, lol!
Your breakfast is indeed epic! It looks beautiful but also looks like it would still be refreshing and perfect for a warm summer breakfast! I’m not going to lie to you, I LOVE waffles with ice cream so this is genius. The jam sounds so delicious! You always deliver with your recipes :)
Hope you have a great week!
Thank you Sarah! I’m glad you had such a great weekend too. Sometimes it’s so important to just take a step back from responsibilities and just have fun. I’ve already made one sersiously successful fall recipe and I can’t wait to share it!!
It was a great breakfast for summer you’re right! Refreshing, yet still quite decadent feeling. I had never done the waffles and ice cream combo (only with whipped cream in my pre-vegan days) so this was an amazing experience ;)
Have a lovely week too my dear!
Yum that jam looks amazing!! I am very excited about fall myself, but I am not happy that it means that winter isn’t too far behind, I am not ready for that just yet.
I know that’s the only thing I hate about fall- winter is fast approaching! But it makes me appreciate fall that much more!
Wow, that jam looks great and so healthy! Thanks for sharing it ~ :-D
Thanks Andrea! It’s so easy too- no stove top required!
Your waffles look scrumptious, and I love strawberry chia jam! It tastes so fresh, I love eating it right out of the jar. :)
It makes for a great treat when you just need a little something sweet after dinner :)
Mmmm there is something about chia seeds, they work in all! What delicious waffles and an awesome jam recipe!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Chia seeds certainly are magical :)
Wow how easy is this – I have heard of chia jam but have never acutually made it – your birthday breakfast looks amazing (love the word melty :) )
Bring on the Fall – I’m ready!!
Thanks Heather! Melty is an awesome word! So glad you agree! Reminds me of being a kid enjoying ice cream cones and being so messy yet not caring!
Well that is just an awesome use of strawberries and chia. I’ve got to pin this so I can remember it for future berry usage :)
Awesome! I hope you enjoy it :)
Yeah, I was pretty much fixated on the huge dollops of ice cream on your waffles :-)! The jam looks might tasty, too.
Haha thanks! I should have take a picture of the jam on its own but I was so lazy ;)
So glad you tried chia jam! Yum, those waffles look so good; I can’t think of a better birthday breakfast! Happy fall!
Thank you Sarina! Happy fall to you too :)