Say Hello to Pumpkin Pie Smoothies
After Thanksgiving, the autumn season seems to come to a quick close. Out with the pumpkins and the fall decorations, and in with the decorative lights and fragrant greens to welcome the approach of the winter holidays.
But time for one last shout out to pumpkins.
Yes, I have carted my pumpkins from the front porch back to the woods … and the pumpkin pies have been gobbled up.
But that half-consumed can of pumpkin puree still sits in the fridge. And given that I am someone who hates to waste … well, ANYTHING … I’m always on the lookout for ideas on how to use up “fridge remnants.”
The good news is, pumpkin and pumpkin pie may still make it into your holiday planning. So here’s an idea … for those leftover remnants.
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie.
If you are a pumpkin pie lover, this really is pumpkin pie in a glass – quite delicious. And soooo healthy; pumpkin is packed with nutrients.
Consider these health benefits reported by Healthline:
1. Rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C … which working together strengthen your immune system, and help your immune cells work more effectively
2. Antioxidants … which help keep potentially damaging free radicals in check
3. Lutein & Zeaxanthin … compounds that help protect your eyesight
4. Potassium & Fiber … which benefit heart health; people with higher potassium intakes can lower blood pressure
5. Beta-Carotene … which acts as a natural sunblock
So the next time you find yourself with some leftover pureed pumpkin, try this smoothie recipe. Or open a can just for the purpose of a couple delicious smoothies during the week.
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie (sourced from Max Lugavere)
1 banana (always nice to throw browning bananas into a bag to freeze for smoothies)
1 pitted date
½ tsp of pumpkin pie spice (see note below)
½ cup of pumpkin puree
1/3 cup Greek yogurt
1 cup almond milk
1 tablespoon of almond butter
Scoop or two of your favorite Collagen or protein powder … or just leave out if you don’t have.
Notes on this Recipe:
· If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can either make some, or just sprinkle in a small amount of the spices you do have on hand … like a couple shakes of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. To make your own pumpkin pie spice: Combine 3 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of ground ginger, 2 teaspoons of ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of ground allspice and 1 teaspoon of ground cloves.
· Why Greek yogurt? Greek yogurt has almost double the protein of regular yogurt. Additionally, it’s creamier due to the fact that the whey, watery liquid at the top of regular yogurt, is removed. Finally, Greek yogurt has less sugar than regular.
So there’s a recipe for a nice little healthy treat in a glass. Good way to start the day too. Cheers to keeping pumpkin in the cupboard for a few more months!
One Key Takeaway
Pumpkin Pie Smoothies ... If you are a pumpkin pie lover, this really is pumpkin pie in a glass – quite delicious. And soooo healthy; pumpkin is packed with nutrients.
