Recipe of the week: Pumpkin Crisp

Nothing says fall like pumpkin, it seems like all the stores have pumpkin stuff right now.  I am not a fan of pumpkin pie, I don't like the texture, but I do like the flavor.  I made this the other day and it was delicious.  I used a cake mix from Trader Joe's because it has less junk in it than others.  Let me know what you think.  A Votre Sante!

Pumpkin Crisp

1 15 oz can of pumpkin
2 eggs
1 cup evaporated milk
3/4 cup of sugar (I used raw)
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 butter or white cake mix
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 stick of butter melted

Preheat oven to 350.  Mix the first 6 ingredients in a large bowl until eggs are incorporated.  Pour into a 9X13 pan that you have sprayed with cooking spray.  Sprinkle cake mix over the top so it's evenly distributed.  Top with the chopped nuts.  Drizzle butter over the top and bake for about 45 minutes or until the knife comes out clean.  Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.  Enjoy!

Recipe of the week: Chocolate Pumpkin Smoothie

This time of year pumpkin is in everything including smoothies.  I had some left over pumpkin after making this recipe for a crustless pumpkin pie.  I love pumpkin chocolate chip cookies so I thought I'd try combining the two flavors in a smoothie and this is what I came up with.  It was a great after workout pick me up, let me know what you think.  A Votre Sante!


Chocolate Pumpkin Smoothie

1 cup milk of choice (I used almond milk)
1/4 canned pumpkin
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Tbsp chia seeds
dash of cinnamon
ice (optional)

Add everything to the blender until ice is blended and enjoy.

Recipe of the week: Pumpkin Pie Squares

In honor of fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving I thought I'd share my pumpkin pie squares recipe.  I actually don't like pumpkin pie, it's a texture thing for me, plus I'm not a big fan of pie crust, so I make this instead.  If you don't like pecans try walnuts or even sliced almonds.  If you try it let me know what you think.  A Votre Sante!

Pumpkin Pie Squares

Ingredients

1 cup unbleached or whole wheat flour
1/2 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 15 oz can organic pumpkin
1 12 oz can evaporated milk
2 large eggs
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup pecans chopped
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
Whipped cream or ice cream (optional)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F.  Combine flour, oats, 1/2 c brown sugar in a mixing bowl.  Mix on low for 1-2 minutes or until crumbly.  Press into the bottom of an ungreased 9 X 13 inch pan.  Bake for 15 minutes.

While the crust is baking combine sugar, pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs and spice in a large bowl, beat at medium speed for about 2 minutes.  Pour over crust.  Bake for an additional 20 minutes.

Combine pecans and the remaining brown sugar in a small bowl.  Sprinkle over filling, continue to bake for 15-25 minutes or until knife comes out clean.  Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.  Cut into bars.  Top with whipped cream or ice cream.