This warming pumpkin smoothie hits the spot on a cool fall or winter morning. You will be surprised at how much of a treat this one is, and it is so good for you too.
Ingredients
1/4 to 1/3 cup roasted pumpkin, fresh or canned (for fresh, see directions)
2 tablespoons hemp seeds
1 tablespoon raw pumpkin seeds, optional
1–2 tablespoons goji berries
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or use 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, 1/8 teaspoon allspice, and 1/8 teaspoon cloves)
Pinch of vanilla powder or a dash of vanilla extract
2 cups hot but not boiling water
Sweeten to taste with 2–3 dates, 1/2 tablespoon raw honey, or a few drops of liquid vanilla stevia.
Directions
To make your own pumpkin purée, simply cut a sugar pumpkin in half and place in a roasting pan with a bit of water, cut-side down. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes or until soft. Cool, peel, and purée. Use right away or freeze.
For the smoothie, blend together in a high-speed blender and enjoy immediately. Be careful when blending warm liquids, as the heat can push off the top of your blender and explode into a nasty mess.
Cathy Russell is registered holistic nutritionist as well as the content manager at NaturallySavvy.com where this article was originally published.
