PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE
This is the time of year I tend to find myself left with 1/3 of a can of pumpkin purée and no idea what to do with it.
I keep it in my fridge trying to figure out a purpose for it and end up eventually throwing it away. Well, my sweet friend Jenny from the Microadventure Family has come to the rescue with the most delicious pumpkin smoothie recipe that is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Jenny makes the most delicious, clean food for her family – so yummy that her kids will eat just about anything, this smoothie being no exception. She typically makes hers with a banana, but I find that it works quite well with dates as an alternative. Any nut butter will work, but I prefer to use cashew because it is milder in flavor. If you have them on hand, the spices really boost the pumpkin flavor.
Makes about 2 1/2 cups
YOU WILL NEED
1 cup non dairy milk
1 cup ice
½ cup pumpkin puree
4 pitted dates
1 tablespoon cashew butter
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons collagen protein (optional)
TO MAKE
Place all of the ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend on high until the dates are fully processed and well incorporated, about 2 minutes.
Serve immediately with a little nutmeg and cinnamon sprinkled on top.