I am absolutely, 100% obsessed with pumpkin, especially this time of year. Here are two more easy ways to add pumpkin to your diet. If you haven't before, check out the previous post on pumpkin spice lattes!
#1 Pumpkin Cookies
These cookies are fantastic because they are made with only THREE ingredients. A dietitian in LA introduced me to this about 5 years ago, and I love how simple and delicious they are. Ready for it?
Ingredients:
1 box of vanilla cake mix
10 oz can of pumpkin puree
Bag of chocolate chips (try dark chocolate chips)
DISCLAIMER: Until I read the label on this cake mix, I had NO idea that it contained partially hydrogenated soybean oil. Blech. However, these are a once-in-a-while item, and I wasn't about to throw away the cake mix with only hours to spare before the Halloween party for which I made these cookies. Check the labels at your grocery store to see if you can find some cake mix without partially hydrogenated oils!
Mix the pumpkin and the cake mix with a blender until smooth and free of lumps:
Add the chocolate chips:
Stir until completely blended:
Drop onto an ungreased cookie sheet. These cookies can be really close together because they don't spread much. One batch makes about 32-40 cookies.
Pop in the oven:
Bake at 375 degrees for 13-15 minutes, or until firm. Be careful to not over-bake, as the bottoms will char.
Get your platter ready. I bought this skeleton plate at Safeway for only $4.99.
When the cookies are done, remove them from the baking sheets and cool. The look great on a black platter!
#2 Pumpkin Smoothie/Protein Shake
I make a protein shake most mornings, but I always try to add different and interesting ingredients. Using pumpkin adds vitamins, fiber, and some fantastic flavor! Make sure to use your fabulous (and healthy) "fall" spices!
Assemble your ingredients.
Vanilla rice protein powder
Pumpkin puree
Pumpkin pie spice
Vanilla extract
Cashew (or almond) butter
Stevia
Unsweetened vanilla almond butter
Add the protein powder (about one serving per the container):
Add about 1 tablespoon of cashew butter:
A few tablespoons of pumpkin:
Add a few teaspoons of vanilla extract:
Liberal amounts of pumpkin pie spice:
Add the stevia and almond milk:
Add 8-10 cubes of ice and blend until smooth:
Top with additional pumpkin pie spice. What a perfect breakfast on a fall morning!
*M*
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