strawberry chia pudding

Valentine's Day has historically been both my least favorite and my most anticipated day of the year (that and New Year's Day). Against my better judgement, I keep hoping for that commercially perfect day where everything is romantic and lovely, and I get swept off my feet.

Perhaps being raised on the boob tube has something to do with it. I was a girl filled with dreams of Cinderella and Barbie. All pink and flowers. My mother had no idea where I'd come from. She had been a tomboy and never, NEVER, wore pink. She didn't know what to do with me.

This year, I came home from work to find a wonderful duck dinner prepared by my husband, complete with wild rice and a lovely cucumber salad. My son had already done his homework AND had his bath. I supplied the chocolates and we were all set for a perfect Valentine's Day meal.

Sometimes it is the little things that make all the difference.

Strawberry Chia Pudding
Serves 2

Ingredients

• 6-8 strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1 cup light unsweetened coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons agave syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• scant 1/4 cup chia seeds

Instruction

1. Blend strawberries in a food processor or blender. Add milk, agave, vanilla and blend. Add chia seeds and blend again.
2. Pour into 2 6oz ramekins or other small dessert bowls. Chill over night. Serve cold.