Cold Pumpkin Pie

cold pumpkin pie smoothie is like drinking fall in a glass! Skip out on the processed holiday drinks and opt for this instead. You won’t be missing out at all. Top it with a dash of coconut cream to take this recipe over the top.

Pumpkin is packed with antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, and zea-xanthin which can help prevent age-related macular disease. Pumpkin is also a rich source of B-vitamins such as folates, niacin, thiamin, and pantothenic acid and minerals like calcium, copper, potassium, and phosphorus.

Pumpkin also contains immune-boosting properties which can help the body stay strong and ward off common colds and flus that may be going around. Pumpkin is excellent way to replenish and restore the body after a workout as it is high in potassium which helps to restore the body’s balance of electrolytes after exercise and keeps muscles functioning at their best.

Ingredients:

2 frozen bananas
½ cup pumpkin puree
2 medjool dates
1 tablespoon maple syrup
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice*
½ - 1 cup of water
¼ cup of coconut cream* (optional)

Directions:

1. Blend the bananas, pumpkin puree, dates, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice and ½ cup of water until smooth. Add more water if a thinner consistency is desired.

2. Top with the coconut cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Enjoy.

Makes 1-2 servings

Notes:

* To make your own pumpkin pie spice mix together 3 tablespoons of cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of nutmeg, 2 tablespoons of ground ginger, and 1½ tablespoons of all spice.

* For the coconut cream, remove ¼ cup of the heavy top layer of cream from a can of separated coconut milk.