Ahhh. Fall is officially here, the cool weather and all! Ok, not quite the cool weather. But it’s only been around 85 degrees, which compared to 95 or 100 feels pretty nice.
With the start of fall, like many many others, I am looking forward to all of the pumpkin coming back into my life. Or should I say, I am looking forward to all of the pumpkin that will be in. my. belly.I haven’t yet purchased my first Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte this season (although I did buy a pumpkin scone last week). Since it is still fairly warm outside, I wanted to find a more refreshing way to enjoy pumpkin without the heat of a hot latte. Ahhh. Fall is officially here, the cool weather and all! Ok, not quite the cool weather. But it’s only been around 85 degrees, which compared to 95 or 100 feels pretty nice
Enter: Chilled Pumpkin Spice Smoothie.
I was hesitant to open a whole can of pumpkin when I knew I would only need a portion of it for this smoothie. I hate letting food go to waste more than ANYTHING. I figured it would be worth it and I would just have to come up with something pumpkin again tomorrow. And the next day if necessary.
For this smoothie, I researched some different recipes, but came up with my own combination of ingredients.
I have had trouble with smoothies in the past–mostly not being able to get the right consistency. Either too runny, too icy or too bland.
The smoothie angels were on my side with this one though. Without using any ice, I was able to make a truly smooth smoothie. It was thick enough not to suck it down completely in a matter of seconds, but thin enough to drink through the straw at a leisurely pace.
Yes, consuming at a leisurely pace is an important factor in determining the quality of a smoothie. Of course you want it to be enjoyable, but that also means you want it to last for as long as possible, right?
Because when drinking a relatively healthy smoothie tastes like eating a big slice of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, that is something worth dragging out as long as possible.
Drink this precious pumpkin treat sitting on your couch in your pajamas, or take it to work in a travel mug. Either way, enjoy every last sip.
Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Recipe
Makes 1 smoothie (about 12oz)
Ingredients:
1 banana, frozen and sliced
1/3 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt (I used non-fat)
1/4 cup milk (I used skim)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
2 tablespoons whipped cream for topping (optional)
Directions:
1. Combine first five ingredients in blender. Blend on medium speed for 1-2 minutes, or until fully mixed.
2. Add pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and nutmeg. Blend on low speed for another 10-15 seconds.
3. Pour smoothie into glass and top with whipped cream.
(For a chilled smoothie, pour into glass and place in refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before drinking)
