Chia Seed Pudding

Hi Family and Friends! It’s been a little while since I’ve shared any recipes, and I hope this finds you all doing well and enjoying the beginning of summer.

A Busy Spring with Unexpected Challenges

Spring was a whirlwind in our household—busy kids, packed schedules, and, unfortunately, Covid. It hit us in waves, disrupting plans and routines. The virus affected each of us differently, and for me, it hit pretty hard. It took over a month to feel like myself again, but I’m happy to report that I’m now feeling 100%. I’ve recently been able to ramp up the intensity of my workouts, which feels amazing after so much downtime. There’s nothing like feeling unwell to make you appreciate good health!

Discovering Food Through Books

While I was under the weather, I found comfort and inspiration in reading—unsurprisingly, about food!

• Stanley Tucci’s Taste: My Life Through Food
  A dear friend gifted me this book, and it quickly became one of my favorite reads in a long time. Tucci’s passion for food and feeding others reignited my excitement about traveling and culinary exploration.
• David Lebovitz’s The Sweet Life in Paris
  By the time I picked up this book, I must have been feeling better because I’ve dog-eared so many pages with recipes I can’t wait to try!
• Ruth Reichl’s Save Me the Plums
  I’m currently reading this memoir about her time at Gourmet magazine. While it’s more behind-the-scenes than food-focused, it’s still an engaging read.

Preparing for Kids’ Summer Cooking Camp

Recently, I’ve been busy planning for my upcoming Kids Summer Cooking Camp. Next week, I’ll have a small group of local kiddos in the kitchen for a four-day camp, with each day centered on a different theme. I’m so excited to be teaching again and sharing the joy of cooking!

Celebrating on Kauai

The most exciting news is that we just returned from celebrating my husband’s 50th birthday on Kauai! It’s by far our favorite island, and it always feels like a treat to go back. As my husband pointed out, the island’s timeless charm is one of the things we love most—so much stays the same. It’s comforting to return to the same beloved ice cream, shave ice, and poke spots year after year.

A Dish Worth Recreating

There was one particular dish I had in Kauai that inspired me to recreate it less than 24 hours after we arrived home. In Poipu Beach, there’s a charming little coffee hut and breakfast spot called Little Fish Coffee. You can’t miss it—it’s the bright yellow building on Poipu Rd. with a loooong line the minute it opens.

Now, I’m not usually one for long lines, especially early in the morning, but it was my husband’s birthday, and we needed a good breakfast to fuel up before our hike in Waimea Canyon. Despite the wait (and the steep prices), it was absolutely worth it. I loved my breakfast! I had an iced matcha latte with almond milk and a delicious chia seed pudding topped with fresh mango, kiwi, banana, and homemade granola. It was simple, fresh, and satisfying.

As soon as we got home, I couldn’t resist recreating this dish—it’s that good! If you’re ever on Kauai, I highly recommend stopping by Little Fish Coffee. Just be prepared to wait a bit—it’s a small price to pay for such a memorable meal.

My Love for Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are one of my absolute favorite ingredients, and I eat them every single day. Whether blended into a smoothie, sprinkled on toast with almond butter, or more often than not, made into a creamy chia seed pudding, they’re a staple in my diet.

Usually, I keep my chia pudding simple and plain, but the version I had in Kauai—with fresh fruit, granola, and coconut—was a game-changer. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that keeps me full for hours, and it’s quickly become part of my regular routine since we returned home.

If you haven’t tried chia pudding dressed up with fresh toppings, I highly recommend it! It’s a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nourishment that feels like a tropical treat any day of the week.

We’ve got some adventures planned this summer and I have no doubt the food inspiration will be on overdrive – I hope to share some of those inspired recipes soon!

Cheers,

Christina