Chia & Raspberry Breakfast

Chia_berry_porridge

It has become more and more obvious to me that Luise and I have lived these last years inside the eye of a whirlwind. Life seems calm when we sit here in our Stockholm kitchen, but recipes, apps, emails, comments, books, raising a child, freelancing, workshops, photography and social media are spinning around us faster and faster every month. Our old professions and lives have been swept away and new things have come along. It has been unreal, in the best kind of way. All of a sudden we are working with our passion and with each other. We are constantly learning new things and have no idea how the next month will look like. It is everything I dreamed about but never dared to hope for.

But living in a whirlwind also makes me dizzy. This pace. This flow of information. This constantly updating instagram-pinterest-email-life that we are so addicted to. It’s hard to find balance. Luise and I talk too much about food, answer emails too late at night and sometimes forget to just eat dinner because we are so busy discussing or shooting a recipe. I am sure we are not alone in this. The feeling that you want to be more present and not always watch your kids laugh through the lens of an iphone.

The theoretical solution is easy. To work on the day and turn off our phones during evenings and weekends. But it is so hard to change our habits, so we have talked about also taking a physical step outside of the whirlwind for a little while. Our rough plan is to spend two months in Melbourne, Australia, and then drive around New Zealand in a campervan for a month. We plan on being together. Watch Isac grow. Teach Elsa some English. Watch kangaroos. Play and hug a lot. But we will most probably also blog from the road. Perhaps do a food video from a camp kitchen. We might even do some kind of cooking class or food photography workshop somewhere on the way. As long as we are spending more time with each other than with the computer.

We are still not sure what we can afford or where we will end up, but we will probably be traveling from the beginning of December to the end of February. We would love to get some advices from you guys. You think we would like Melbourne more than Sydney? Great food, cafes or restaurants that we shouldn’t miss? Would anyone be interested in attending a workshop, if we arranged one in Sydney/Melbourne or New Zealand? Is the idea of driving around in a campervan with Isac when he is only five months old too crazy? All input is appreciated. Thank you friends!

Chia_berry_porridge_2

This recipe is a variation of a chia pudding with a flavorful raspberry twist. It’s a simple, satisfying and very delicious breakfast or mid-day snack. Or even dessert. You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. If you are not yet familiar with chia seeds, they are filled with protein, omega 3 fatty acid and calcium, have a very mild flavor and are incredible at binding liquids. They are therefore great as egg replacers in baking recipes and in desserts and breakfasts such as this. The only disadvantage is the price. They are rather expensive, but you don’t need so much each time so they last long.

I almost forgot, here is a video from our youtube channel where Luise show how to make this recipe and tell you why she likes it so much.

Chia_berry_porridge_3

Berry & Chia Breakfast
Serves 1

Feel free to play around with this recipe. You could replace the raspberries with other berries or mashed fruit and the milk with freshly squeezed juice. Or you could blend some dates with the milk and serve it as a dessert. Use whatever toppings you prefer. We do recommend including some kind of nut butter, it adds a nice balance to the sweet and tangy fruit flavors.

1 cup / 125 g fresh or thawed frozen raspberries
1 pinch ground vanilla
3 tbsp desiccated coconut, unsweetened
3 tbsp chia seeds
1 cup / 240 ml plant milk (we prefer almond, coconut or oat milk)

Topping
nut butter
hemp seeds
kiwi
fresh mint

Mash the berries in a bowl using a fork. Add vanilla, coconut and chia seeds and combine. Pour over the milk and mix. Set aside to soak for minimum 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge. Serve in a bowl or jar topped with nut butter, hemp seeds, fruit and mint.

194 Comments

  • delicious! been experimenting with grainless breakfasts lately and this is my first chia pudding--light, fruity yet substantial. made mine with frozen blueberries from our summer harvest topped with chopped mango and candied (with maple syrup) raw pecans. thank you for this beautiful recipe!
  • Jude
    Love the idea and Melbourne will be perfect. Great food. The Victoria market gas a good organics section. Many like minded people to share with. There are so many opportunities,beautiful countryside stunning bay and sea. A workshop would be fabulous but many Melbournians leave the city for January so it is very quiet. I'll follow with interest.
  • Oj nu har ni allt fått många tips... men jag har hört att THREE BAGS FULL CAFÉ i MELBOURNE ska vara fantastiskt. Där kan exempelvis äta bircher eller gröt med kokt päron och ätbara blommor. Och måste säga att bilderna i dagens inlägg "takes your breath away."
  • Marina l
    I lived in both cities and I totally recommend Melbourne. It has a friendly vibe, community feel, great food scene, rich cultures.. You would love it. And I would love to join your workshop! But apparently I'm not the only one :/
  • Lilla My
    I have planned for months to write this message and finally, here we go. Your blog has honestly saved my life. Somebody could think that food doesnt matter that much but it matters for me. Last winter I was having very hard time with eating. Meat doesnt fit me.It makes me feel horrible, so tired and sick. As I live in a country where we mainly consume meat, my health was seriously rolling down the hill. I wanted to go vegetarian, but almost all the vegetarian recipes I found were too complicated, expensive and troublesome to cook. I thought that maybe this just was the downside of vegetarian diet and I couldnt pull it off. Then one night, as you can maybe guess, I bumped into your blog. I was amazed: interesting recipes yet simple enough to really make! After trying a couple of your recipes, I went wholly vegetarian. Of course I sometimes do other foods but to be honest I mainly follow your recipes. They have never ever let me down. I feel so much better now and my energy levels have gone uuuuuuup! I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for running this blog and just being super amazing ♥
  • The recipe looks amazing and your plans sound amazing too - I'm sure travelling with a five month old will have its challenging moments but what an amazing opportunity to spend some real family time together and have a wonderful adventure. Looking forward to hearing about it!
  • Rosie
    Melbourne is a great option! I'm from Melbourne, and would absolutely love to attend a workshop run by you guys, can't wait to hear more about your Australian travel plans!!
  • Jane
    YES come to New Zealand!!! I know you would love it. You can park your camper van in our driveway if you like :-) Heaps of places where you can go off grid and enjoy nature here and PLEASE do a workshop in Auckland before you disappear onto our beautiful beaches, zenlike bush and majestic mountains...
  • Mia
    February is a lovely time to visit NZ. The weather is quite often best then too. The Farmers Market in my city of Dunedin is full of late summer fruit then too. The South Island is often said by tourists to be the better of the two main islands. Don't rush the touring, enjoy the people and food
  • Dvora
    Definitely Melbourne, but I lived there for a few months myself. Great food, great people, the culture, you'll be there in summer so watch the heat! Melbourne I think is better for living, even though Sydney does have better beaches. Sydney is easier to tour and go for a visit, Melbourne to really get the feel of it you have to live there and have time to get to know it. I think you'd love Melbourne, but it depends what you're looking for. I didn't make it over to NZ, but I hear amazing things! Definitely go while you're on that side of the world!
  • Emily
    Melbourne would be so up your alley guys. The fresh, healthy wholesome food options in Melbourne alone would make it so easy for you guys. You will never want to leave, guaranteed. PLEASE do a workshop in Melbourne!!
  • Denise
    Hi guys! Awesome that you are coming over to Australia! If I were you I would hire a campervan in Australia as well, and drive from Sydney to Melbourne so you get to see the 2 cities, and then drive from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road. Adelaide is known for it's amazing food and wine scene (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale) and def. worth a visit, even if it's only for the food and wine! I've done the Sydney to Melbourne, and Melbourne to Adelaide trip multiple times, so feel free to send me an e-mail if you would like more information :) (I've lived in Sydney & now live in Adelaide. Even if you decide to skip Adelaide {I know this is not in your plan anyway, he he} please go to Sydney, it's an amazing city and you really would miss out!). Make sure you let us know your schedule in time, because if you're doing any presentations or booksignings in Melbourne and not coming over to Adelaide, I will def. come to Melbourne to attend! :)
  • Alissa
    SYDNEY! We are the most beautiful city in the world, with the freshest and best produce, I promise! PLEASE come to Sydney!
  • Emily
    Please come to NZ! I would love to attend a workshop (in Wellington) and I know others who would too.
  • I think it's a great idea! Family is the most important thing there is. And it will be wonderful to travel together. I can't wait to read more about your trip!
  • I hear you re turning off! Your plan sounds absolutely divine (as does this recipe - side note, we produce great chia seeds here in Australia!). I'm from Melbourne so am definitely biased, but the food scene here is so so good. Fitzroy area there are so many great places, many of which have been mentioned in the comments. But I think a visit to Sydney is a must, too. As much as there is a rivalry between Melbourne & Sydney, Sydney is stunning in the summer with the beaches. Though, come to the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria where I am from (~1 hour south of melbourne) & you are spoilt for beaches. How fun. What a great way to top of a fantastic year! x
  • Hello, I can understand your wish to spend more time with your family, and I hope you find a good way to realize it! But I also hope, that you have some time furthermore to design more recipes and publish them with your very good and nice photographies! Have a very good time!
  • Your travel plans sound like a dream to me - so wonderful! I don't have children of my own yet, but I hear that time passes so quickly with them and it seems like a very special thing to spend those few months together in that way, away from the day-to-day pace of usual life. I always make my chia puddings with almond or coconut milk, and have never tried them like this but it looks so fresh! I will definitely try it :)
  • Suzanne
    Like everyone else, I was so excited to read that you were planning a trip to Australia. I would say that Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world + it would be a shame to come this far + miss it. I think every Dane should see the amazing Opera House their fellow countryman created, it is truly such a beautiful building. I don't need to say anymore about Melbourne, except to add that the regional areas of Victoria are really special with amazing local produce. So I would also put in a bid for Adelaide + reiterate what some of the others have said about the fantastic food + wine we can offer. Also, during February + March Adelaide hosts the Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide Festival, Writer's Week, Artist's Week and WOMADelaide so it is a really great time to visit, though it can be very, very hot. We do have gorgeous beaches though + it is really easy to get around, lots of things for kids to do (I have 2 small boys). I'm sure Elsa would love to feed the kangaroos + hold a koala at Cleland Wildlife Park! We would LOVE you to visit + definitely host a workshop. (btw I don't work for the South Australian Tourist Board, it would just be great to see you here).
  • This sounds amazing. I am looking forward to make this with blackberries, I have a lot of them in my freezer. Have a great journey!
  • Sanda
    It is first time I am commenting here. I am Israeli, curently living in Georgia (Caucasus) and am following you for a while. Just wanted to say how much I like your blog, your companionship, your book and everything about it. You are such an honest and inspiring couple. Wish you the best in all your travels! Keep us posted. Sanda
  • nancy
    Stay in both cities! There is so much on offer in Sydney and Melbourne, don't just pick one, enjoy them both while you are in this part of they world. I live in Sydney, I love the beaches, the Blue Mountains, the food. I adore Melbourne and the fact that it is so easy to get out of the city to enjoy the beauty of the rest of Victoria. You will be welcome in both cities.
  • Jacq
    Please come to Sydney, take a walk down King St and Enmore Rd Newtown for a day. Would love to attend your Sydney workshop
  • Aleksnadra
    I just stumbled across this blog and I am in love. I'm from Melbourne and I say come to Australia, come here! We will welcome you with open arms, Melbourne especially! Melbourne is full of health nuts and foodies (I am one of them :) ) We have great cafe's and restaurants, a great atmosphere. I could tell you my favourite places but everyone in Melbourne has a different one. Go to Lygon st and Brunswick st, eat ice cream in little country towns (I recommend Yarra Glen). I would definately go to a workshop with you guys and I know many people would, I'm excited now as you should be! You will have a ball here :)
  • Melissa
    Hi Luise & David! Keeping it short and sweet, I would love to attend a workshop in Melbourne, so you can count me in if you go forward with one! And as for travelling with a 5 month old in a camper van, crazy? Well, there is only one way to find out.....just do it! Thanks soooo much for all the love you poor into your work! Melissa from Melbourne (mother of two little ones just like you)
  • Hannah
    please come to New Zealand! You will love it here! And we would love a workshop, absolutely.
  • Simone
    Yes! Definitely come to Australia! I live in Perth (the west coast) but have been to both melbourne and sydney heaps of times and I can definitely say melbourne over sydney for the foodie scene. And if you do workshops I would come! Some places I think you'll love in Melbs: Beautiful vegan and raw food options at http://www.admiralchengho.com.au/ and sister store http://instagram.com/monkbodhidharma http://instagram.com/wearecombi http://instagram.com/pana_chocolate http://vegiebar.com.au/ Hit up this website, awesome resource of the latest places to go http://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/food+drink/ And if you feel like coming to the west coast - we have the best beaches by far;) I can let you know of its best food places too :) e.g. https://www.facebook.com/rawkitchenfreo Have fun planning your next adventure! P.s. Be prepared for a HOT australian summer during those dates, but summertime is heaps of fun with the beach and summer festivals, balmy nights and concerts etc xx
  • Great choice guys! It would be amazing! Maybe I would be scared to do the same, but I'm an Italian mamma, and you maybe know how we are! ;) Anyway, your philosophy is very inspiring to me! I really like you last video and recipe! ps. I was talking about your book in my blog, giving me personal interpretation of your vegan moussaka!
  • Saskia
    hej david, i think this sounds like a great idea and it seems like this is the perfect moment for you to do it! many people have been traveling the world with their little children (i dream of doing it as well) and besides i think NZ is a perfect place for that. do it! you might return being somebody else, but you will never ever regret it. XO
  • Helen
    I'm in Adelaide, South Australia so have no bias. If you could visit both Sydney and Melbourne that would be great. Both cities have their own unique charm (although I personally prefer Melbourne!). But Tasmania is a special part of Australia too, especially if you like the "paddock to plate" philosophy. I spent three weeks travelling in NZ this year and absolutely fell in love with the country. Although we didn't travel by camper van, we met a lot of people who were and who were enjoying it. My highlights of NZ included Wellington (lovely vibe in that city), Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Arrow town - but really it's the Kiwis who make it special. Such a friendly bunch! Good luck with your planning!

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.