Coconut Chia Pudding with Bananas and Lime Zest

I'm a reformed coconut hater. I think there's something about childhood memories of Almond Joy candies doled out on Halloween that haunts me. There was nothing I hated more than those candies. Because seriously, where were the Snickers? Since then, I've grown to L-O-V-E coconut. Thai iced teas, coconut flavored strained yogurt? I love it now. Was coconut just bad in the 90's or was I living a lie? 

(See the YouTube how to here!)

Today's recipe is jam packed with coconut. There's coconut jam (delayed gratification food pun), shredded coconut and coconut milk. For those of you new to coconut jam, it is delightful on toast...and ice cream. It's caramel in color and texture and sweetness, but with coconut flavor and provides an awesome contrast to the chia pudding in a parfait. We can always find it at an Asian food market but I bet you these days Amazon sells it too. (Side note: They do, I just checked, but they don't have the legit Asian brands I hoped for and it's about ten times more expensive than at the international market). 

As far as swapability, I think this recipe can work with mangos instead of bananas. I would personally try to resist using berries because they are so sweet (the coconut jam has that covered) but again, workable. 

Coconut Chia Pudding with Bananas and Lime Zest

serves 4 -6 depending on parfait size

/// Ingredients ///

• 14 oz coconut milk (I recommend Pacific Organic Coconut) 
• 2 Cups 0% Greek Yogurt
• 1/2 C  Chia Seeds
• sliced bananas
• lime zest
• coconut jam
• shredded coconut

///  Directions /// Whisk coconut milk and yogurt together in a bowl. Pour in chia and whisk. Let sit for 30 minutes. Whisk again and place in the fridge overnight. Layer coconut jam, chia pudding and bananas. Top with shredded coconut and lime zest. 

If you want to make these ahead of time in parfait form, have at it! I might hold off on zesting the lime or adding the shredded coconut to the top so it has the best impact after you've stored it in the fridge. Fresh zested citrus is the best!