vanilla chai pudding

I tried a new food today.  I have heard of chai and haven't ever tried it.  I didn't really know what it was, didn't really care.  I found this recipe that was fast and easy and could be made the night before for a grab and go breakfast or a quick snack.  The main appeal to me at the time was that it was gluten, dairy, nut, chocolate, beef, egg and soy free.  Those are few and far between and that it looked fast and easy.  I did a little research on the thing, here's some interesting tidbits I found:

Unlike flax seed, chia seeds don’t need to be grinded to reap their health benefits.
Chia seeds have a nutritional resume that includes fiber, omega fatty acids, calcium, antioxidants and protein. They’re what you want if you’re stranded on a desert island, or hunkered down in the outback for an extended period of time.
Eaten raw or tossed into salads, yogurt, smoothies, omelets and baked goods, these tiny black and white seeds have a mild, nutty flavor.
They contain up to 25 percent omega-3 fatty acids, including ALA (alpha-linolenic acid.) Ounce for ounce, chia seeds have more of these fats than salmon. They’re one of the most concentrated sources of omega-3 in any food. Chia also contains high amounts of omega-6.
These EFAs (essential fatty acids) build new cells and regulate various processes of the body. Chia seed is the ultimate brain food, giving new credibility to the “chia head.”
These little bitty seeds support heart health and feed the skin, hair and nails.
Just one ounce of seed contains approximately 4 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat (the good kind) and 11 grams of fiber. The seeds contains all 10 essential amino acids that are a must for your diet, so they're considered a top source of complete plant-based protein.
To avoid the “chia trot,” start out slowly when introducing this concentrated source of fiber.

And then there’s that weight-control bonus. When chia seeds are soaked, they can absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquid. When ingested, chia seeds form a gel inside your stomach, which slows down sugar and carbohydrates, keeping electrolytes in balance and your belly satiated.
Trying to build muscle or conquer a triathlon? Chia to the rescue!

Interesting right.  Genny brought up the concern that chai tea is not word of wisdom approved.  I cannot find anything (in my limited research online) that says the same for the seeds.  I think we are a go. 

I made this simple concoction last night (the recipe can be found on my pinterest board "Healthy Habits) and stuck it in the fridge.  I went to pull it out this morning planning to take it with me for an after walk snack and inadvertently grabbed the jar of almond milk I made last night and looked at it and thought "this pudding didn't set up at all."  Read the label dummy, you label things for a reason, not as a hobby.  Anyway, I found it after lunch and gave it a go.  My first impression is that it's weird.  The texture is new and the taste is new.  My kids all had a few bites.  Laila loved it (no surprise there, the girl would eat pinecones if I let her), Solveig said she liked it after the first bite then changed to I kinda like it, I kinda don't.  Soren  took a bite, said it was good but that he didn't want to eat anymore.  I relate to Solveig.  It's new and going to take some getting used to, but I think I'm going to incorporate it.  I'm told you can purchase a big box at Costco for cheap (my source is a Ukrainian women whom I've never met before who's blog I happened to stumble across), so I'm going to look for it there.  I bought it in bulk at Winco yesterday (hidden in the jars of spices in case anyone goes looking) and it's a little pricey.

Has anyone else tried chai?  What is your experience?  Any recipes?  I'm you can also just throw a handful into a smoothie and can't taste it. 

P.S.  Jess, I'm coming for you.  You have to at least taste it.