Food for Thought: Chia Parfait

They may be tiny, but chia seeds are packed full of heart-healthy nutrients like fiber and omega-3s. Let them work their magic in this refreshing, flavorful treat from Turbine Market + Café. 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Cup chia seeds
• 4 Cups sweetened coconut milk
• Pinch of salt
• ½ Cup toasted coconut shavings
• 2 Tbsp milled flax seeds
• ½ Cup diced peaches
• 5–7 fresh, local cherries, pitted
• 3–4 fresh mint leaves (optional)
• 1 Tbsp local honey, for drizzle 
• Lemon balm microgreens, for garnish plating

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine the chia seeds, coconut milk and pinch of salt in a medium bowl, mix thoroughly, and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing seeds to absorb the coconut milk.
2. Place coconut shavings evenly onto a parchment-lined baking tray.
3. Place the tray under an oven broiler, carefully watching for 2–3 minutes until shavings achieve a light brown color.
4. Remove half of the shavings and place the tray back under the broiler for an additional minute, watching carefully to avoid burning. Repeat this step to achieve three levels of varying toasted coconut.
5. Scoop one cup of chia parfait mixture into a small, rimmed bowl.
6. Sprinkle toasted coconut shavings onto the parfait.
7. Add diced peaches and pitted cherries evenly across the top of the bowl.
8. Sprinkle milled flax seeds evenly across the parfait.
9. Optionally, add a small drizzle of honey.
10. Garnish with mint leaves and lemon balm microgreens. 

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The Turbine Market + Café is located in the Power Plant building of the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District. The JW Marriott is a supporter of St.  Joseph’s/Candler’s Telfair Mammography Fund. Learn more about the Telfair Mammography Fund at www.sjchs.org/mammographyfund and discover the JW Marriott at www.plantriverside.com.