Pumpkin, Four Ways.

In October, I'm all about apples. Whether it be pie, in a main dish, or just as they are, I gorge myself on them. When November rolls around, pumpkin gets the same treatment. I usually start picking up cans of pumpkin puree at Trader Joe's in the end of October, in anticipation of whatever pumpkin recipes I may come across and want to try. Pumpkin soup is always a given, so here are a few other ways I have been enjoying pumpkin this fall. 

Pumpkin Spice Syrup

This syrup just gets better and better. I used the same recipe from my post last year but replaced regular sugar with low glycemic coconut sugar. I have been using this syrup to make a pumpkin spice hot chocolate that is too good for words to fully describe.

Pumpkin Spice Syrup (paleo, refined sugar free)
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups coconut sugar
4 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves or 3 to 4 cloves
3 tbsp pumpkin puree

NOTE: I usually add more puree because I love the pumpkin flavor. This, and the spices, are completely adjustable according to taste.

Over medium heat, combine the water and the coconut sugar until the sugar has completely dissolved. Add in all of the spices (except the cinnamon sticks) and the pumpkin puree, and whisk until the pumpkin puree is combined. Add in the cinnamon sticks and continue to stir the mixture over medium heat (you do not want it to boil,) for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.

Once the mixture has cooled, strain the syrup into a container and store in the refrigerator. 

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

My new favorite smoothie for breakfast/post workout. I just blend together 1/2 cup pumpkin, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (I love Fage), 3/4 almond milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and ice! 

Paleo Pumpkin Granola

I adapted this one a bit from a recipe I found via Google search. Great over yogurt or by the handful. It even makes a yummy "cereal" when added with almond milk.

Grain Free Pumpkin Spice Muffins

I am so happy I came across this recipe from the Detoxinista. It's incredibly hard to believe that there is no flour of any kind in this recipe and that the main ingredient is almond butter! They come out so fluffy and moist! (I hate the word moist, but I needed to describe these muffins.) They are great plain and even better with a few added chocolate chips. 

FUN FACT: I've never had pumpkin pie. I just realized that writing this post. 

What are your favorite ways to eat pumpkin?

Healthy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

In the last few weeks, no matter what I go to Trader Joe's for, I always pick up a can of pumpkin. From pumpkin cinnamon rolls, pumpkin pancakes, and of course, the pumpkin spice syrup, I have been getting my fill for sure.

After browsing through my favorited recipes on Foodgawker, I came across this recipe for pumpkin cream cheese muffins. Out of all the ones I had saved, I liked this one the most since it was the one with the least amount of calories and fat. Score! They are not overly sweet, and use whole wheat flour (in addition to regular white flour), which is great for a quick breakfast or snack, without the crash. In addition, the amount of pumpkin/pumpkin pie spice can be changed to your liking! 

I think my "dollops" were a little cream cheese heavy. It's not my fault I was thinking of that  Daisy "do the dollop" commercial.

Enjoy with a homemade pumpkin spice latte, and enjoy pumpkin bliss!

Its the Great Pumpkin Spice Syrup DIY, Charlie Brown

Even though it's release was early this year due to the popular demand, I waited until the first day of fall to enjoy a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks. Like apple picking, nothing says the start of fall quite like it.

While I truly enjoy my favorite seasonal beverage, in the long run its expensive, and, sigh, a bit high in calories, even made nonfat (70 calories in just whip cream? Yikes!). When I saw a recipe for a DIY pumpkin spice syrup on Foodgawker,  I jumped right on it as I already had a can of pumpkin in the pantry (saw it at Trader Joe's and figured it would come in handy, especially this time of year).

If your a PSL or just a pumpkin fan, you are definitely going to want to have this syrup on hand. It is extremely easy to make and nothing short of perfect. Even if your not a coffee drinker, you can still enjoy it with milk for a coffee-free latte, with milk and ice cream for a pumpkin pie milkshake etc. Topped off with a little whip cream and pumpkin pie spice*, its the perfect at home fall treat.

*So I had no idea "pumpkin pie spice" was a real thing, as in a product that people actually buy. I decided to make some just for the sake of having it for my PSL's, since we had all the spices on hand. I'm glad I did because a small jar sells for $6!!!! If your fortunate to have a Trader Joe's nearby its only$1.99, but seriously, make it yourself. Guaranteed, you already have the necessary spices on hand.