raw cherry dream pudding

I came across this recipe on facebook a few days ago and knew I had to try it right away.  Of course I had to put my own spin on it, especially because I did not have fresh blackberries in my refrigerator.  I also enjoy the challenge of creating great tasting, healthy food with the fewest ingredients possible.  This one is definitely a keeper!  It's also one you do not need to feel guilty about eating before bed, as cherries have actually been shown to help you get a good night's sleep.  Sweet Dreams...


pudding

1/2 cup chia seeds
1 1/2 cups raw almond milk or raw coconut water
1 teaspoon raw vanilla bean powder

cherry cream

1 packaged of organic frozen cherries (leave a few out for the topping)
2 tablespoons dried tart cherries (optional)
1 cup cashews soaked a minimum of 4 hours
1 teaspoon raw vanilla bean powder
a dash of sea salt (optional)

Place all of the pudding ingredients into a bowl, mix together and set aside.  Then place the cherry cream ingredients into a vitamix and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Here's where you get to be creative.  You can use jars like Amie Sue at Nouveau Raw, sundae glasses like I used in picture above or another glass of your choice.  Alternate layers of the pudding and the cream until it is all used up.  Don't forget to save a few cherries to top off your dreamy creation!

You can eat these right away or allow them to firm up in the refrigerator - they will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Cherry-Time

Cherries of the night are riper

Than the cherries pluckt at noon 

Gather to your fairy piper 

When he pipes his magic tune: 

Merry, merry, 

Take a cherry; 

Mine are sounder, 

Mine are rounder, 

Mine are sweeter 

For the eater

Under the moon. 

And you’ll be fairies soon. 

In the cherry pluckt at night, 

With the dew of summer swelling, 

There’s a juice of pure delight, 

Cool, dark, sweet, divinely smelling. 

Merry, merry, 

Take a cherry; 

Mine are sounder, 

Mine are rounder, 

Mine are sweeter 

For the eater 

In the moonlight. 

And you’ll be fairies quite. 

When I sound the fairy call, 

Gather here in silent meeting, 

Chin to knee on the orchard wall, 

Cooled with dew and cherries eating. 

Merry, merry, 

Take a cherry; 

Mine are sounder, 

Mine are rounder, 

Mine are sweeter. 

For the eater 

When the dews fall.

And you’ll be fairies all.

~ Emily Dickinson