Red Velvet Chocolate Popsicle’s & Kiwi Pudding

Our house has stayed a steady 80-85 degrees the past few weeks. We don’t have central air and only have window units and fans. I have them running all day, and still can’t get the temperature below 80 degrees. With 90 degree weeks here it’s not helping. Literally in the morning it is 20-25 degrees cooler outside then in our house. To the point I hang out outside after my morning runs.

I also have been drinking ice tea and smoothies like crazy to stay cool. I have also been making homemade “nice” cream and popsicle’s like they are going out of style. R loves them. When Barleans sent a few products to enjoy and make new recipes with, I knew what I was going to make. I love chilling with Barleans.

Their Strawberry Kiwi Greens and Chocolate Silk Greens are amazing for using in cool treats and smoothies. From ice creams to puddings. I thought making some chocolate Popsicle’s for the family and trying some chia seed pudding would be just what we needed during the dog days of summer.

Disclaimer: I am part of the Barleans Blogger team. The FTC requires that I disclose this. Although I was compensated by Barleans for this post and given free product, I have been using their products long before being compensated. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have been buying chocolate greens for years and I have used it to make Chocolate Avocado Mousse, in many smoothies, in protein bites and energy bites, mixed into oatmeal, and now Popsicle’s. The chocolate greens is made with fair trade cocoa and a super concentrated form of fruits and vegetables, making it high in antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients. There’s no added sugar, its non-GMO, gluten free, dairy and soy free.

I was excited to try the strawberry kiwi greens, which is the taste for summer in my opinion. Again, boosts high antioxidants made with berries, fruits and vegetables, no added sugars and gluten free, dairy and soy free. So tasty and also great in smoothies and cold treats. Best of all the whole family loves it!! I whipped up some Strawberry Kiwi Chia Seed Pudding in a matter of minutes and now we can enjoy a healthy post dinner dessert, without worrying about high sugar content and harmful additives.

We get to chill and enjoy “sweets” without all the sweet. 😉 I know sneaky cool!! My Red Velvet Popsicle’s have a certain red vegetable to make them a nutritional powerhouse. I added beets to help color them read and beets give a little bit of a sweet taste. Pair them with chocolate silk greens, banana, & almond milk and you have a great nutritional treat everyone can enjoy. Also great in smoothie form too.

I love adding in vegetables anyway I can, and I love that the kids and hubby eat them not even questioning the hidden ingredients. These Popsicle’s are easy to create and fun to chill with.

For the Strawberry Kiwi Chia Seed Pudding, all you need is milk of your choice, chia seeds, strawberry kiwi greens from Barleans, a splash of vanilla extract and some kiwi, strawberry and/or raspberries for garnishing. Yep, it’s that simple. And ya’ll know how much I love chia seeds for their nutritional boost, a great source of fiber, protein and essential fatty acids as well as vitamins and minerals.

Serves: 4-6    Prep: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c chia seeds
• 2 c almond milk (or milk of your choice)
• 1-2 scoops Strawberry Kiwi Greens from Barleans
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 kiwi, skinned (for garnishing)
• Strawberries and/or raspberries for garnishing

Directions: 1. Add chia seed and barleans strawberry kiwi greens to a medium mixing bowl and mix together. 2. Pour in milk and stir until chia seeds are well incorporated and covered. 3. Cover and let the chia seeds soak in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours, until chia seeds are your desired textured. (Best if over night). 4. Divide between 4-6 dishes, garnish with kiwi, strawberry and/ or raspberries upon serving and enjoy.

Hope you are enjoying your summer. It seems the first day of school is around the corner.

Until Next Time Be Whole and Be Fit