autumn chia breakfast bowl

i love the heat of summer, but fall is probably my favorite season. the colors of the trees, the true sense of changing seasons, and the cool breeze and chilly evenings that force you to dig out your sweaters from the bottom of your dresser. autumn in the northwest is gorgeous. i get giddy thinking about winter squash and winter vegetables, but i absolutely love all the jewel tones of autumn fruits. pears, plums, figs, pomegranates... they are almost too beautiful to eat, sitting all together in my fruit basket. almost.

chia seeds have become rather popular in the past couple years. i think it's hard for people to imagine anything past chia pets when they hear the word. anyhow. instead, try to imagine a superfood that tastes like tapioca-like pudding. ish. chia seeds are packed full of antioxidants, omegas and complete proteins. simply soak them for 30 minutes in your choice of water, juice or non-dairy milk, and you have a wonderful porridge. add a touch of sweetness, or sweet spices or fruit and enjoy.

autumn chia breakfast bow:
serves one very happy morning person

3 tablespoons chia seeds
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla (or even better with a small scrape of vanilla bean seeds!)
2 fresh figs
1 small plum or pluot
1/4 cup raw or toasted nuts - hazelnuts are my favorite
a drizzle of honey
a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds
a dusting of poppy seeds

soak chia and poppy seeds in almond milk with vanilla for 30 minutes. whisk every 10 minutes or so to separate clumps. top with slices of fresh fruit, nuts, seeds and a good drizzle of honey. sit in the autumn sunshine and enjoy.