Turn a Little Head Into Dessert

Categories: Cooking Virgin
obamachia2.jpg
Who knew something this sweet could come from a little head?

What do Bart Simpson, crocodiles and President Obama have in common? All three have been memorialized as a Chia Pet -- the kitschy terracotta planter thing that sprouts a healthy green coat of the mint-related herb.

Most people think of Chia Pets as a gag gift (or an easy-to-grow plant for those with a black thumb), but chia seeds are actually a good source of fiber, omega 3's and a host of other trendy vitamins and minerals.

Inspired by a taste test at Camelback Inn's Sprouts juice bar, The Virgin decided to be daring and whip up a little chia dessert made with in-season fruit and a free sample of Salba, a white chia supplement available online or at Kroger/Fry's grocery stores.

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The salba seeds before...

According to Chef Brian Archambault, the way to best prepare chia is to soak the whole seeds overnight in some form of milk (the cow version works, or you can sub in flavored almond milk or soy milk for a sweeter taste). With that in mind, I tossed a handful of seeds in a teacup, poured in a dash of 2% milk and left them in the fridge overnight.

What resulted was a gross-looking gelatinous mixture that stuck together in thick, gloppy clumps. Yum.

If this happens to you, splash in more milk and keep your fingers crossed for better results in a few hours.

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Afterwards, it "looks like the crap they were eating in The Matrix."
​In the meantime, you'll need:
  • 1/2 cup apricot nectar
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 6-7 small fresh apricots
  • 2 cups vanilla or caramel ice cream

The Virgin's DeStructions:

1. Combine nectar and cream in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.

2. Stir in honey. Mix well and simmer for a few minutes.

3. Remove from heat and let cool.

4. Halve apricots with a small knife and remove pits.

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