May 23, 2018

Strawberry Rhubarb Chia Seed Jam

I try to eat both seasonally and locally as much as possible and I love the rhubarb (and soon to be strawberry season).

I love all berries; however, strawberries hold a special place in my heart. As a young child my grandmother would take my cousin, my sister, and I strawberry picking and afterwards we would make jam together. We eat food for reasons other than hunger and the nutrition it provides our bodies, we often eat foods because of the memories they hold and for me strawberries hold a special one.

Chia seed jam is a healthy spin on regular jam that takes no time to make and is much healthier (full of fibre and antioxidants and it's low in added sugar).

It’s the perfect treat for the entire family. If you have some ripe strawberries to use up, give this recipe a try.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups ripe strawberries, sliced

-2 stalks rhubarb, sliced into small pieces

- 1 tbsp. lemon juice

- 2 tbsp. water

- 1-2 tsp. vanilla extract

- 1 tsp. grated ginger (optional)

- 1-2 tbsp. honey

- 3 tbsp. chia seeds

Directions:

In a pot over medium heat begin to heat rhubarb (3-4 minutes). Add berries and continue to mix for 2-3 minutes. Add lemon juice, water, honey and vanilla. Continue to cook until fruit softens and forms a gel like substance (5-6 minutes). Remove from heat, mash using forks or a masher to desired consistency. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary. Add chia seeds and mix together well.