Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the chia seeds, cocoa powder, erythritol (or monk fruit sweetener), and a pinch of sea salt. As you combine them, you'll notice the dry mixture has a fine, dark brown colour and a slightly earthy, sweet scent. Make sure there are no lumps of cocoa powder.

Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually pour in the unsweetened almond milk and vanilla extract. Add the extra virgin olive oil now too. Stir continuously with a whisk or spoon until all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the liquid. The mixture will initially look thin and milky brown, but you should already see the tiny chia seeds beginning to swell slightly.

Initial Chill and Stir: Once well combined, cover the bowl or individual serving dishes and place them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. After this initial chill, retrieve the pudding and give it another vigorous stir. This step is crucial to prevent the chia seeds from clumping at the bottom, ensuring an even, gelatinous texture throughout. The mixture will still be quite liquid, but you might feel a slight thickening as you stir, and the brown colour will have deepened slightly.

Final Chill: Return the pudding to the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 2-4 hours, or ideally, overnight. As it chills, the chia seeds will absorb the liquid, causing the pudding to thicken considerably. You'll know it's ready when it has a wonderfully creamy, spoonable texture, similar to a thick mousse or traditional pudding, and a rich chocolate aroma fills the air when you open the container.

Prepare Optional Topping (if using): If you're using coconut cream for a decadent topping, ensure your full-fat coconut milk has been chilled in the fridge overnight. Open the can carefully, scoop out the thick, solid cream from the top, leaving the watery liquid behind. Whip this cream with a hand mixer or whisk until it's light and fluffy, resembling whipped cream. It should hold soft peaks and have a delicate coconut scent.

Serve and Enjoy: Once the pudding has reached your desired consistency, spoon it into serving dishes. Garnish with your chosen toppings – a sprinkle of fresh raspberries adds a lovely tart contrast, or perhaps some toasted shredded coconut for a textural crunch. Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful dark chocolate colour and the inviting aroma before you dive in.