Blueberry Vanilla Chia Seed Jam

I planned for a stress-free brunch by making nearly everything in advance. I kind of ending up pulling out some of our normal breakfast foods (granola, yogurt, etc) along with the special crepes and pancakes. I had pimped my kale salad as the best kale salad ever, so I had that as a savoury option, too.

On the menu:

Almost Raw Chocolate Banana Crepes

Raw Maca Banana Pancakes

Almond-Coconut Cream

Avocado Mint Cream

Yogurt, for those wanting something more traditional

Millet Granola

Raw Kale and Beet Salad with Raisins and Almonds

Rob’s Omelettes with Spinach and Mushrooms (which no one wanted with all the other food!)

Raw Strawberry Tart, as the birthday “cake”

Strawberry Smoothies (a surprise from one of my friends who came bearing a ton of frozen strawberries!)

and this Blueberry Vanilla Chia Jam.

With all the different filling options, it was a brunch extraveganza. Just look at Rob’s plate, complete with his new Android jelly bean toy (no jelly beans were in the crepes!):

Earlier that week, I made Angela‘s Blueberry Chia Jam, so I pulled it out as another option as an afterthought. Everyone enjoyed their mixed-and-matched creations, and agreed that the jam was awesome. Pure blueberry bliss. Without all the typical over-sugared pectin-laden jam, this spread is simply fresh blueberries reduced with a touch of maple syrup and vanilla, thickened with chia seeds. I was worried the chia seeds might be too slimy or crunchy, but it was neither. They blended in so well and helped make this a thicker spread. Such a simple recipe, but it highlights how fresh produce can be augmented in creative ways.

This is being submitted to this week’s Weekend Herb Blogging, hosted by Cinzia, to this week’s Ingredient Challenge Monday for blueberries and to this week’s Wellness Weekend.