About the Recipe
It started as a drink, and now it is everywhere and in everything. This creamy Earl Grey concoction, is light, creamy and sweet. That is why it works so well to flavor your morning chia pudding bowls. I mean earl grey and breakfast just go together right? The light flavor tones of this makes it so versatile. It pairs so well with fruit and yogurt as well, so trying new combinations is a must!
Ingredients
1/4 cup chia seeds
3/4 cup milk (almond milk, oat milk, or any milk of your choice)
1/2 cup strong brewed Earl Grey tea, cooled
2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Preparation
What is London Fog?
A London Fog is a popular tea-based drink made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and a hint of vanilla. The unique flavor profile of Earl Grey, which is infused with bergamot, pairs beautifully with the creaminess of milk and the sweetness of vanilla, creating a comforting and aromatic beverage. This recipe takes those beloved flavors and transforms them into a delightful chia pudding.
Why Chia Pudding?
Chia pudding is not only easy to prepare but also a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. The chia seeds absorb the liquid, creating a thick, pudding-like consistency that's both satisfying and versatile. When paired with the flavors of a London Fog, chia pudding becomes an irresistible breakfast or snack.
The Perfect Blackberry Whipped Yogurt
The blackberry whipped yogurt adds a refreshing tartness that balances the creamy chia pudding. Blackberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to this dish. By whipping the yogurt, you get a light and fluffy texture that feels indulgent without being heavy.
Let's get started!
This chia pudding is so good, it tastes like dessert for breakfast. I was recently introduced to this viral London Fog flavor combination and now I understand why everyone is making it. From desserts to breakfast, it's a flavor that works so well in all kinds of food formats. Drinks, cakes, cookies, puddings and oatmeal. Choose your dish.
Brew the Tea: Brew a strong cup of Earl Grey tea and allow it to cool. Use 1-2 tea bags in 1/2 cup of hot water for a strong flavor. Let it steep for about 5-10 minutes and then cool it to room temperature.
Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the chia seeds, milk, cooled Earl Grey tea, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Stir Well: Mix thoroughly to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed and not clumping together.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Stir the mixture after the first hour to prevent clumping.
Serve: Once the pudding has set and reached a thick, creamy consistency, give it a good stir and serve.
You can top it with fresh fruit, granola, or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
I personally like to layer mine with a bit of yogurt and fruit. In this particular case I made some whipped yogurt with blackberries. If you have never had whipped yogurt before, I highly suggest you give it a try. It's like yogurt made out of clouds.
I simply put about 1 cup of plain greek yogurt, amd 3/4 cup whipping cream into a blender (I used my little Ninja Bullet blender) and whip it until you get a nice smooth consistency. Add whatever kind of berries or fruit you like to it. In this case I added blackberries because it is what I had on hand.
I also like to add a tablespoon or so of honey or maple syrup just to sweeten it up ever so slightly.
Et voila! Now you can go ahead and layer it with your Chia pudding.
Why is London Fog so popular?
Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of Earl Grey tea with its distinctive bergamot flavor, sweet vanilla, and creamy steamed milk creates a unique and comforting taste that stands out from other tea-based drinks.
Aesthetic Appeal: The drink's creamy texture and the sophisticated presentation often garnished with a frothy top made it visually appealing and highly shareable on social media platforms like Instagram.
Cultural Trend: As people increasingly sought out artisanal and specialty beverages, the London Fog fit well into the trend of exploring new, unique, and more refined tea experiences beyond the traditional offerings.
Health Perception: Tea-based beverages are often perceived as healthier alternatives to coffee, appealing to health-conscious consumers looking for lower-caffeine options.
Word of Mouth and Social Media: Influencers, food bloggers, and tea enthusiasts sharing their experiences and recipes on social media significantly boosted the drink's popularity, making it a trendy choice in cafes and at home.
These factors combined to make the London Fog a viral sensation, appealing to a wide range of people looking for something new and comforting. Once you try it, you'll understand.
Not only do I love the flavor or London Fog, I am obsessed with chia pudding. Not only is it delicious, it is also easy to make and chia seeds are super healthy.
Chia seeds are packed with numerous health benefits, making them a popular addition to many diets.
Here are some key benefits:
Rich in Nutrients: Chia seeds are an excellent source of essential nutrients, including fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and various micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
High in Fiber: They are extremely high in fiber, which promotes digestive health, helps maintain a healthy gut, and can aid in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness.
Heart Health: The omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), can help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels, contributing to better heart health.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Chia seeds can help stabilize blood sugar levels due to their high fiber content, which slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, reducing the risk of spikes and crashes in blood glucose levels.
Antioxidant Properties: Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases and slowing the aging process.
Bone Health: They are a good source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, all of which are vital for maintaining healthy bones and preventing osteoporosis.
Plant-Based Protein: Chia seeds provide a substantial amount of protein, making them an excellent addition to vegetarian and vegan diets to help meet protein needs.
Versatile and Easy to Use: They can be easily incorporated into a variety of dishes, from smoothies and yogurt to baked goods and puddings, enhancing the nutritional value of meals with minimal effort.
Incorporating chia seeds into your diet can be an easy and effective way to boost your overall health and well-being so creating a dessert like breakfast with this chia pudding is just win-win if you ask me.