As thick and smooth as a milk shake, this berry freeze actually gets its creaminess from chia and avocado, not milk and ice cream. Using frozen berries keeps the drink icy cold (and allows you to make it when berries are out of season), but if you prefer to use fresh, just add a couple of ice cubes when blending.

　　

Ingredients

2 tablespoons black or white chia seeds

　　1 cup purified water

　　2 cups frozen mixed berries (such as blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, and marionberries), plus more for garnish (optional)

　　Pinch of ground cardamom

　　1 cup plain unsweetened almond milk

　　2 tablespoons agave nectar or honey

　　2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

　　1/2 Hass avocado

　　

Step 1

In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the chia seeds and water and let stand for about 20 minutes. (Makes about 1 1/8 cups chia gel.)

　　

Step 2

Place the chia gel, frozen berries, cardamom, almond milk, agave nectar, vanilla, and avocado in a blender. Cover and blend on high until thick and creamy.

　　

Step 3

Pour into two glasses. Garnish with additional berries and serve immediately.

　　Reprinted from The Chia Cookbook, by Janie Hoffman, Copyright © 2014, published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Random House LLC. Photographs copyright © 2014 by Eric Wolfinger.From the founder of Mamma Chia, the first organic chia-based food and beverage company, comes a cookbook devoted to this superfood. Beloved by the Maya and Aztecs, chia has the highest omega-3 content of any vegetarian source, more protein than soybeans, more fiber than flaxseed, more calcium than milk, and more antioxidants than blueberries. Sneak chia seeds into nearly any dish for a nutritional boost.