Friday's Letters

Dear Birthday Apple, This is what happens when you have lots of food allergies. And you know what? I don't mind one bit. Hand over the apples! Dear Halloween, I don't like you. One bit, really. But I'm glad my mom decorates in the cute Halloween way, and not that creepy way. Dear Fall Break, There is nothing like waking up early to get a run in and then being able to take a long shower and put on sweats again instead of getting ready for school. I love it! Dear Parking Job, My dad has raised me to believe the only place to park is when there is only one car on your side. And I feel guilty every time I can't find that spot at school.

Here is some weekend inspiration...have a great one!

Pumpkin Pandemonium

Yes. I realize that title was a stretch. But just work with me here.

Since fall is in full swing (at least with this 65 degree weather it feels like it is!) I thought I'd do a quick pumpkin recipe round-up for all who are itching to get that pumpkin smell through their house!

Here we go...

Pumpkin & Dark Chocolate Muffins

Pumpkin Graham Smoothie

Pumpkin Pancakes

Pumpkin Pie Spiced Almonds

 

Pumpkin Waffles 

Liquid Diet: Part 2

I hope you enjoyed the fresh orange juice and Orange-Banana smoothie. Let me know if you tried them!

First up today on our liquid diet is some cran-orange juice. My mom got a bag of cranberries from her co-op and we already had a big box of oranges. So what better way to use them!

We used about 10-11 oranges to one bag of cranberries. It was a bit tart, but definitely a hit among the family at Sunday dinner.

I love the rich redish pink color.

Next stop: pumpkin graham smoothie

Yes, it is as good as it sounds. My mom even said she felt like she was eating a dessert – so I’d recommend making it some time when you are looking for a sweet treat that isn’t so bad for you! After all, pumpkin has a host of health benefits.

Start out with 3/4 cup of pumpkin puree and a sliced banana to pop in the freezer for about an hour or two.

Once frozen, get the other ingredients you will need: milk, 2 graham crackers, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice.

In a blender combine the 3/4 c. pumpkin, one banana, and a cup of milk. Blend until smooth. Then add 1 tsp. vanilla, 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, 1/4 tsp. nutmeg, 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon, and one crushed graham cracker.

Blend until smooth. Pour into a small cup (you only need about a half a cup serving, it is plenty sweet) and top with some crushed graham cracker and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

There ya go, folks! Pumpkin pie in a cup! And a whole lot healthier! (about 100 calories per cup)

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas holiday!

Pumpkin Love

More pumpkin love comin’ at ya! Here is a twist on my granola bars that I make frequently. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Granola Bars

1/2 c. wheat flour
2 c. oats
1 t. cinnamon
1 t. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 t. salt
2/3 c. pumpkin
1/3 c. honey
1 t. vanilla
1/3 c. sunflower seeds and/or almonds
1/4 c. chia seeds

Mix those ingredients together in a bowl, then pour into a greased or lined baking dish. Be sure to spread out the mix evenly and press it down firmly into the dish. Bake at 325 for about 20 minutes. Then let cool for 30-60 minutes. You can usually get 10-12 bars out of this recipe.

Pumpkin Bread

It is pumpkin season! The leaves are changing colors…the air is crisp…I have to wear gloves on my early morning runs…and pumpkin is in almost every recipe. So here is one to add to your list!

Pumpkin Bread

1 1/2 c. wheat flour
1/4 c. white flour
1/2 T. cinnamon
1/4 t. nutmeg
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/2 c. honey
1/4 c. maple syrup
1/2 can pumpkin
1/2 c. coconut oil
1/3 c. water
1 t. vanilla
2 eggs

In one bowl mix your dry ingredients (flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder & salt). In another bowl, mix the wet ones! (honey, syrup, pumpkin, oil, water, vanilla and eggs) Combine both mixtures well. Add to sprayed bread pan and top with a healthy serving of chocolate chips. Bake in the over at 350 for about 55 minutes.

Mine turned out a bit gooey. The taste was great and the edges nicely done, but the middle had a hard time getting completely done…so I’m not sure what to do about that? Either way, try it out and let me know what you think!

 

~What’s your favorite pumpkin recipe in the fall?