There are only two weeks until Halloween, and around here the chill of fall has finally truly settled in. That means we’re in luck because when you add those two factors together, it becomes the perfect setting our annual pumpkin carving party. An assortment of pumpkins are downstairs, piled precariously together on the table — everything from the garden variety orange Jack-o-lantern pumpkins, to the daintier sugar pie pumpkins, and even a couple of my all-time favorite, the mystical and marvelously-colored fairytale pumpkins. On Thursday evening, friends and family will gather together and we’ll take turns stoking a cozy fire in the fireplace while painting and carving silly-scary faces, witches of the good and evil persuasion, black cats and ghoulish goblins. It’s something we’ve been looking forward to all month.
It’s no wonder then that in preparation for this event we’ve had nothing but pumpkin on the brain. This is a good thing because it’s challenged us to be creative with this harvest crop all-star. That’s why this week we are sharing with you a healthy smoothie that pays homage to the humble pumpkin. Whip this bad boy up for breakfast, or for a lean, nutritious snack in the middle of your day and let the fall flavors inspire you on to your own pumpkin designing greatness! (Send us some pictures of what you created while you’re at it.)
Vanilla Pumpkin Smoothie
- 1/2 cup organic, unsweetened pumpkin
- 1/2 banana
- 3/4 cup Greek vanilla yogurt
- 1 tbsp agave syrup
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp natural vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 2 ounces Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera
Directions: Blend all ingredients together with ice. Serve with a dash of cinnamon on top.
