Lemon Chia Fudge

Okay, doesn't everyone deserve a treat once or twice a year? (alright, maybe more often.) Especially one with lots of health benefits. Or, maybe you just want to make a delicious treat for someone special.  Here is a healthy version of fudge I created.  It has been tested and has received extra awards from my household.  This particular fudge is made with semi-sweet Vegan chocolate chips, so it has a dark chocolate taste. Very smooth and tasty with a hint of lemon. Great treat for the holidays.  I used Chia seeds because they are a good choice of Omega-3, anti-oxidants, calcium, protein, fiber, and many other vitamins & minerals and they work perfect in this recipe. Just one tablespoon would keep the Aztec warriors going all day.  Because Chia seeds absorb so much water, and have high soluable fiber levels, they help release natural, unrefined carbohydrates slowly into the blood system.  Unlike flax seed, chia seeds do not need to be ground up before eating them. Chia is so rich in antioxidants that the seeds don't deteriorate and can be stored for years without becoming rancid. Your body easily digests them with 7 grams of fiber. You can eat them straight from the bag, mix them in your favorite drink, top them on your fruit or vegetable salads or just about anything.
     I used raisins to sweeten the fudge.  Raisins have tons of antioxidants, contain calcium to build strong bones and contain a considerable amount of iron. You may think they are harmful for the teeth, but on the contrary~raisins are good for healthy gums & teeth. They help kill bacteria that causes tooth decay. They are also good for your eyes and help prevent macular degeneration.
     Walnuts are one of the best plant sources of protein. They are rich in fiber,  B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants, such as vitamin E. In 2003, the FDA recognized the benefit of nuts and their role in heart disease prevention by approving a health claim for 7 kinds of nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, some pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts).
     Lemons give this fudge a delicious flavor and add extra vitamin C.
    You can feel good about eating this fudge!

LEMON CHIA FUDGE
Printable Recipe

1 cup Vegan chocolate chips (melted)
3/4 cup organic raisins
1 tbsp. organic vanilla extract
2 tbsp. Organic Chia seeds
1 lemon (juice only)
1/2 - 1 cup raw walnuts (chopped)

Melt chocolate chips in a saucepan on low.  In small food processor or blender mix raisins, vanilla, chia seeds and lemon juice.  Process until smooth. Pour in melted chocolate and mix well.  Stir in walnuts and pour into small (very small 6" x 7" container). I used a small glass pyrex dish and used 3/4 of the dish by smoothing it to the size I liked. Also, smooth top of fudge with a little water on your finger tip so it looks perfect.  Place in freezer and watch carefully for fudge to firm up, but not get too firm so you can slice easily.  Slice into squares and either put back in freezer or leave out at room temperature. ENJOY!