Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Inspired by the plethora of pumpkin blog posts recently, I decided to create a pumpkin smoothie this morning. It is so good I tweeted about it right away and have to share it with you right now. I could have one of these every day for breakfast and be the happiest girl all Fall long.

I’m always been a pumpkin liker. I like all things pumpkin, but have never been in love. My requisite one can of pumpkin every fall sits in my cupboard for a few months before I bust out pumpkin muffins with chocolate chips or pumpkin bread with chocolate chips. Sense a pattern? But the last few years pumpkin has just been around more—it’s been put in beer (hurrah!), coffee (too bad Starbucks Pumpkin Spice flavoring isn’t vegan yet), milkshakes, of course put in pies ,and sometimes even baked ziti

As pumpkin’s been gaining in notoriety, my love for pumpkin has been growing. I bought three cans at the grocery store store yesterday and already have plans for all three cans. Last night I read Gena’s latest blog which had a stunning looking recipe for a Butternut Squash smoothie. I’m not there yet.

I am however, most definitely here:

(Get ready to knock your socks off)

PUMPKIN PIE SMOOTHIE

• 1 cup pumpkin
• handful ice
• 1 cup milk (I used Unsweetened Almond Milk, though vanilla would be good!)
• 2 T Real Maple Syrup
• 1 tsp almond or vanilla extract
• 1 T Pumpkin Pie Spice (or just a tsp each of cinnamon, clove and ginger)
• 1 T Garem Masala OPTIONAL
• 1/2 cup oats

Put all ingredients into a high-speed blender. Blend. Pour. Enjoy.

The oats give the smoothie a bit more body and take on the crust in this pie analogy. Garam Masala is a spice combination commonly used in Chai. If you can’t find it, it won’t take anything away from the smoothie, but it’s a fun addition if you have it lying around.

This is a pretty nutrient-dense smoothie and a healthy way to start your morning. The pumpkin has beta carotene and fiber, the almond milk provides a boost of protein, and the oats help fill you up. Adding some flax seeds or walnuts would be a good flavor addition and boost your omega 3’s, which as all know, vegans love!

Go, Blend and Be Merry.

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