5 Ways to Enjoy Pumpkin this Fall

By
The Alternative Daily
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With the arrival of fall we start thinking about comfort foods, and pumpkin is certainly one of those foods. Pumpkin is a perfect healthy treat that you can enjoy without guilt.

Pumpkins are a member of the squash family, and are an excellent source of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant, high in fiber and vitamin A and low in fat.

Here are five delicious ways to use pumpkin this fall. They are perfect for entertaining or for a cozy night at home.

No Bake Pumpkin Coco Pie

Ingredients:

  • 1 gluten-free pie crust
  • 1 can organic pureed pumpkin
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons organic cocoa powder
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3 tablespoons raw honey

Instructions:

  1. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stove. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
  2. Place all ingredients except crust in a blender. Blend until smooth.
  3. Pour the mixture into a pie crust and place in the fridge. Refrigerate for several hours before serving (the longer it sits, the firmer it will get).
  4. Serve drizzled with some extra melted chocolate.

Pumpkin Pie Shake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups organic Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup organic whole milk
  • 2/3 can organic pumpkin
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • Whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice for topping

Instructions:

  1. Place all ingredients except topping ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth.
  2. Freeze for 1 hour, then re-blend.
  3. Serve cold, topped with whipped cream and spice.

Pumpkin Cracker and Fruit Dip

Ingredients:

  • 1 can organic pumpkin
  • 1 cup organic cashew butter
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup coconut sugar
  • Organic apples slices and gluten-free crackers for dipping

Instructions:

  1. Place all ingredients but fruit and crackers in a blender or food processor.
  2. Blend until smooth and spoon into a dish.
  3. Serve with apples and crackers for dipping.

Pumpkin Oatmeal

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of cooked steel cut oats
  • 1/2 cup organic pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 4 organic free-range egg whites
  • 1/4 cup pecans
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

Instructions:

  1. Cook the oatmeal following package instructions. In the last 5 minutes of cooking time, stir in eggs and mix well.
  2. Stir in the pumpkin and spice while oatmeal is hot.
  3. Serve the oatmeal into dishes, top with pecans and drizzle with maple syrup.

pumpkinSingle Serving Pumpkin Latte

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons organic puree pumpkin
  • 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 cup organic cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 4 tablespoons strong organic coffee
  • 1 teaspoon stevia
  • Whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

  1. Put all ingredients except whipped cream in a mug. Stir with a fork to combine.
  2. Microwave until warm.
  3. Top with whipped cream and serve.

-The Alernative Daily

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