Squash, Apple and Maple Bread Pudding (Dairy Free)

We are not big bread eaters so bread pudding is quite a novelty for us.  I have only made it a couple times with just apples but wanted to try something a little different.  This recipe makes for a great breakfast, brunch or lunch.  I served this to seven children for lunch and it was a hit!

Ingredients

• 1 roasted squash (I used butternut)
• 2 shredded apples
• 10-12 slices bread cut into cubes (I used a combination of sprouted and sour dough bread)
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 3 cups non dairy milk (I used almond and cashew)
• 5 eggs
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• coconut oil for greasing

Directions

1. Slice squash in half and remove seeds.  Brush squash with coconut oil and place in the oven cut side up for 45-50 minutes at 425F.
2. Peel squash when cool enough to handle and place a blender.  Add all ingredients except shredded apples, bread and coconut oil and puree until smooth.
3. Grease 9 x 13 pan and layer bread and apples.
4. Pour squash puree over top and press down onto the bread so it absorbs the liquid.  Let sit for 10 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350F.
6. Bake 30 minutes, uncover and bake another 20 minutes.

Breakfast Pudding (Dairy, Gluten and Refined Sugar Free)

Breakfast is the meal where you should eat the most calories.  Eating your biggest meal in the morning will allow your body to stay mentally and physically stable for the remainder of the day.  I love this breakfast "pudding" as it gives lots of energy and protein.  I generally just combine any seeds and nuts I have around and then add some milk.  You could soak the nuts and seeds for 2-4 hours ahead of time if you don't want as much crunch.

Ingredients (serves 1-2 people)

• 1/4 sunflower seeds
• 2 teaspoons raw cocoa 
• 1/4 cup coconut
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or other natural sweeteners
• 1/3 cup nuts (I usually use almonds or cashews)
• 1/2 cup non dairy milk (adjust depending in desired consistency)
• 2 tablespoons ground chia or flax seeds
• 1/2 banana

Directions

1. Grind sunflower seeds, coconut and nuts in a food processor or bean grinder.
2. In a medium size bowl combine all ingredients.  If using chia or flax seeds let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow them to soak up the liquid.

Vanilla, Chocolate or Almond Pudding, rich in Omega-3 (Dairy, Sugar and Gluten/Grain Free)

A delicious and healthy pudding made from avocados.  Avocados are not only an excellent source of Omega-3, folate and vitamin E but are also rich in glutathione which enhances our cells ability to fight off cancer.

These puddings are a weekly snack  in our home.  The girls prefer the chocolate however, I prefer the vanilla.  Just be warned the vanilla and almond puddings will be green due to the avocados.

Ingredients -For Vanilla (Serves 2 people)

• 1 avocado pitted and peeled
• 1/3 cup dairy free milk (I used rice, almond or coconut)
• 1 tablespoon maple or other natural sweeteners
• 1 teaspoon pure gluten free vanilla extract

For Almond

• replace 1 teaspoon vanilla extract with 1 teaspoon pure gluten free almond extract

For Chocolate

• 1-2 tablespoons cocoa depending on taste and cocoa brand
• 2 additional tablespoons milk

Directions

1. Add all ingredients into blender and mix until creamy and smooth.  Depending on size of avocados you may want to increase or decrease the amount of milk.

Chocolate Chia Pudding (Dairy, Gluten/Grain and Refined Sugar Free)

Chia seeds, known for their role in the "chia pets" are also super food for our bodies.  This antioxidant is rich in Omega-3, protein, fiber and much more.
One way our family enjoys this seed is by making it into a pudding.  One of our favourites is chocolate,  however it is also delicious with pure vanilla or almond flavour.


Ingredients (for 2-3 people)

• 1/2 cup ground chia/salba seeds (white or black) *
• 2 tablespoons raw cocoa
• 1 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or rice milk 
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup

Directions

1.     Mix all ingredients together and let sit for at least 40 minutes to thicken.

* * you can use whole chia seeds as well however I have heard that ground has less risk of sticking to the insides of your digestive tract.