Mason Jar Overnight Oats with Raw Chia Seed Strawberry Jam

Oh Mason jars…I’ve seen so many of them pop up ever since I started my Pinterest page. Soon-to-be newlyweds finding ever-so resourceful ways of turning bland food items into hipster ambrosia. Health-conscious divas devising ever-clever mason jar salads to take to work.

Food is where my inner-hipster comes out, with my vegan- friendly items and penchant for looking at gluten-less options for friends.  I am just a plain old lacto/ovo vegetarian, yet the follow food recipes have become a regular on my breakfast table.

I recently did a Whole Foods 5% Giving Day at work, complete with preparation for a cooking demonstration. I was glad I did some ahead of time because I was able to sample this to WFM shoppers- and they loved it!

Vanilla Bean Overnight Oats

• ½ cup rolled oats (if you need Gluten-Free, I suggest Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Oats)
• 2 Tablespoons chia seeds
• ¾ cup almond milk
• 1 mashed banana
• 1 tsp vanilla beans (I use Nielsen Massey Vanilla Bean Paste)
• Pinch salt

Combine all ingredients in a mason jar. Cover with lid and shake until combined. Store in refrigerator overnight. Eat cold or warm!

Adapted from: Native Foods Vegan Café in Chicago, posted Cherries Jubilee Overnight Oats on bulletin board

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Raw Strawberry Chia Seed Jam

 Ingredients (only 3 of them!)

•  15 fresh strawberries (about 1 lb).
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (or juice from a regular lemon or lime)
• 2 1/2 tablespoons white or regular chia seeds

 Instructions

Dry and hull strawberries. Cut berries in half and put into a small food processor. Add lemon juice, and whirl until pureed, about 30-60 seconds. Add chia and pulse a couple of seconds until combined. Taste and add additional sweetener if you like.

Pour into a lidded jar or container and refrigerate overnight to allow chia to fully hydrate.  Jam will thicken up as the chia seeds coagulate. Keep jam in the refrigerator.

Adapted from: http://www.shockinglydelicious.com/raw-strawberry-vanilla-chia-jam/