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:
- Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stove. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Place all ingredients except crust in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- 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).
- 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:
- Place all ingredients except topping ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Freeze for 1 hour, then re-blend.
- 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:
- Place all ingredients but fruit and crackers in a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and spoon into a dish.
- 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:
- Cook the oatmeal following package instructions. In the last 5 minutes of cooking time, stir in eggs and mix well.
- Stir in the pumpkin and spice while oatmeal is hot.
- Serve the oatmeal into dishes, top with pecans and drizzle with maple syrup.
Single 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:
- Put all ingredients except whipped cream in a mug. Stir with a fork to combine.
- Microwave until warm.
- Top with whipped cream and serve.
-The Alernative Daily
