This Blueberry Chia Jam is my new jam!

Hannah Sunderani
Aug 12, 2016
3 min read

Jam glorious jam! What's a world without this wonderful fruity spread? It takes me back to the comforts of my childhood: Sitting at the breakfast table to a gorgeous plate of warm toast, smothered with sweet homemade jam. The syrupy smell rising off the steaming bread, and the shiny gooey liquid tumbling down the crusts, oozing across the plate like lava. And of course, who can forget the overwhelming rush of sweetness upon that very first bite? I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy just thinking about it.

For this reason, jam is a one-of-a-kind treat - it's sweet simplicity can transform you back to your younger kiddish self in just seconds! I am constantly acting like my 5-year-old self again after indulging in an ambitiously lathered piece of toast; licking my fingers in hopes not to waste any of the lasting flavour. Then, smacking my lips together and peering wide-eyed into the jar in hopes to sneak a fruity mound. It also doesnt help that I have a major sweet tooth and could lick-clean any jar of jam that wishes to challenge me. I try to refrain from doing so however, (to the best of my ability), in hopes to keep some sense of social decency, and to stop my sugar crazy alter-ego from taking over!

Fortunately, it seems that my logical self and my sugar crazy alter-ego have come to a perfect and mutually-beneficial conclusion: Blueberry Chia Jam! This jam is my new JAM! In fact, it's better! Because it's got all the sweet sensations I remember from my childhood. And, I can rest assured that I won't experience a sugar high from licking the jar clean (I'm afraid I cannot avoid the latter...but it's a step in the right direction!). This jam is made from natural ingredients: real fruit and pure maple syrup. Maple syrup has a beautiful rich flavour, and because we're using real fruit and no artificial flavouring there isn't the need to load in sugar, which is commonly used to boost flavour. The outcome is a sweet and powerful taste. This jam also uses the wonderful superfood: Chia seeds! Chia is used in replacement of gelatin making it entirely vegan! The chia seeds in this jam binds the fruit together to offer the thick and gooeyness of regular jam that we all love. In addition, this little seed provides protein and fibre! BONUS!

Ingesting this intoxicating jam is a sure way to bring total tranquility to your morning! I've found my happy place layering it onto warm toast, paired with my Homemade Maple Roasted Peanut Butter. It's bliss! I can't explain the complete surrender I feel when biting into this amazing treat! Totally heaven.

I'm certain if you're a jam lover like me you will LOVE this blueberry chia jam too! It's a healthier plant-based option to store bought jam that's a must try. And let's see if you can avoid licking the jam jar clean...unlike me! I guess some things will never change!

Blueberry Chia Jam

Makes: Approx. 1/3 cup| Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 6-10 mins

Ingredients:

1 cup frozen blueberries
1.5 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp maple syrup (or to taste)
1/4 tsp ginger
splash water (if required)

Directions:

Toss frozen blueberries in saucepan and bring to a simmer.
Gently push on the blueberries with a wooden spoon so they start to open. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until about 1/2 the blueberries split open.
Toss in chia seeds and stir. Add maple syrup and ginger. Add a splash of water if mixture is too thick. Add more maple syrup if desired.*
Remove from heat, place in jar and let set for 30 minutes.

*Be careful not to burn your mouth when tasting. Best way is to scoop a small amount onto a plate and spread it out. Be sure to blow on it before tasting.

Approvals: