It’s October, so I’m now okay with the pumpkin craziness.
I am also finally falling in line with Jenn’s Halloween themed link-up!
Pumpkin Thing #1: Cold PSL Latte
For some reason the early release of Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte was a little much…especially since we were still dealing with hot summer days up here in the twin cities. My disdain for early pumpkin everything did not, however, deter me from trying out the latte in a chilled version in September.
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I know. Such a hypocrite. The funny thing is, I haven’t even tried it warm yet…despite the 50 degree weather now.
I recently heard on the radio that there is no pumpkin of any sort in the PSL except for pumpkin spice…which has nothing to do with the orange gourd we carve into at Halloween time. I mean really, when you think about it…pure pumpkin isn’t that great. You need to add that spice and sweetness to really make it into what we think about when we hear the word “pumpkin spice” or “pumpkin pie.”
Pumpkin Thing #2: DIY Pumpkin Puree
Speaking of pumpkin…I did something kind of crazy for me. First of all, I’ve never baked with a lot of pumpkin. I mean I only have 4 pumpkin-related recipes on the blog. That is approximately 100 times less than any other blogger who presents recipes on their blog…especially that whole “healthy living” blog category. 😉
I actually bought a pumpkin pie pumpkin. Did you know those exist?
The ginormous pumpkins we carve aren’t meant to be eaten, their smaller counter part is the one you can go through a good deal of trouble to cut into, dissassemble, bake, scoop out and blend to create your own pumpkin puree.
Pumpkin Pie Puree Recipe
by Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut
Prep Time: 2 hours
Ingredients
-pumpkin pie pumpkin
Instructions
Cut pumpkin in half and remove stem.
Scoop out all of the seeds and strings (aka pumpkin guts).
Place cut down on a greased baking sheet and cover with foil.
Bake at 350 degrees F for about 1.5 hours. Let cool.
Scoop out flesh and put in food processor until smooth.
Mashed pumpkin is good for 5 days in the fridge.
Yeah… I also bought two cans of pumpkin today. The idea is fun, I felt like a pioneer woman, but I think I will let the good people from Libby’s deal with all that jazz from now on.
Side note: when I searched for pumpkin in my pictures online…this picture of my nephew came up. Adorable. Even though he looks terrified half of the time when the camera gets pulled out.
What have I made with that pure pumpkin goodness?
Pumpkin Thing #3: Pumpkin Pie Banana Smoothie
First I made a smoothie (to Dave’s horror).
In blog land (and the magical world of pinterest) pumpkin smoothies are all over the place! Dave’s reaction made me realize that this treat might qualify for Laura’s “Strange But Good” link-up. I think the rule of thumb should be, “If someone outside of blog land gives you a weird look when you show or tell them about your food item, it’s in.”
Pumpkin Pie Banana Protein Smoothie Recipe (1 smoothie)
Ingredients
-1/4 cup pumpkin puree
-1 cup cold orange juice
-1 tsp pumpkin spice
-1 frozen banana
-2-3 ice cubes
-1 scoop (30g) vanilla protein powder (I use Skoop B Strong Protein)
Instructions
Blend together until smooth, pour and enjoy!
Making the smoothie gave me the opportunity to use my new smoothie making knowledge I’ve learned at my new job AND try out the sweet Ninja blender I was sent after meeting the lovely people of Ninja at the Healthy Living Summit.The mini blender it came with worked perfectly for a one-serving smoothie! It crushed the ice and frozen banana like a champ…or at least 10 times better than one I used to use!
I drank this number as I munched on a salty snack. Salty + Sweet.
The next item I made should not be considered weird just for the fact that it tasted like what dreams must be made of. I die every time I bit into this deliciosity. Ask Dave–every piece I’ve had I say, “I cannot believe how good this turned out!” along with some derivation of “I’m so awesome.”
I know this is the second time I have teased you with a pumpkin spiced skillet cookie topped with cinnamon glaze pictures (the third time if you follow me on Instagram)
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| On Instagram |
…but this dessert deserves it’s own post. Plus other parts of other posts slash social media bragging about it.
I have a couple more things planned for the remaining bit of pumpkin puree I have left, such as a pumpkin shake (smoothies and shakes ARE different) and more pumpkin skillet cookie. Because it was that good.
The last of the pumpkin craziness of late was purchasing pumpkin spice k-cups (despite the fact that I have a zillion k-cups waiting to be used) and pumpkin creamer (despite the fact that I already have a creamer in the fridge waiting to be used). Sometimes you just deserve a little treat, right Becky?
The pumpkin craze is alive and well around this girl’s apartment…despite my reluctance at the beginning of the season!
YUM! I love me some pumpkin but I just bought my first can of pumpkin yesterday!
Hooray for pumpkin!!
YUM! I love me some pumpkin but I just bought my first can of pumpkin yesterday!
I am actually going pumpkin crazy right now. I’m not sure if I’d try a pumpkin smoothie though…maybe, why not?!
Why not is exactly why I tried it!! 😉
I am actually going pumpkin crazy right now. I’m not sure if I’d try a pumpkin smoothie though…maybe, why not?!
Yes to you getting into the pumpkin craze, too! Another blogger joining the dark, no … orange side. I’ve been obsessed with all things ever since the first ones hit the shelves at the store. In fact, I’d say I’m crazy about pumpkin and squash all year but am forced to take a break for a few months in between because I can’t find any.
The skillet cookie looks great!
I amde a pumpkin pie smoothie last week too! Yum! ikinda like making my own purees. The only problem is I stick em in the freezer and then forgot they’re there! I’ve done carrot, squash, zucchini, pumpkin, and cauliflower.
Hmm I wouldn’t even know what to do with carrot, squash or zucchini purees..and I’ve only heard of cauliflower being used for pizza crusts!
I amde a pumpkin pie smoothie last week too! Yum! ikinda like making my own purees. The only problem is I stick em in the freezer and then forgot they’re there! I’ve done carrot, squash, zucchini, pumpkin, and cauliflower.
That’s a yummy looking smoothie. And wow that skillet cookie cake looks amazing.
Thanks Nikki!
That’s a yummy looking smoothie. And wow that skillet cookie cake looks amazing.
Why not is exactly why I tried it!! 😉
Hmm I wouldn’t even know what to do with carrot, squash or zucchini purees..and I’ve only heard of cauliflower being used for pizza crusts!
Thanks Nikki!
Hooray for pumpkin!!
That smoothie sounds SUPER tasty!! 🙂
It is! You have to try it!!
That smoothie sounds SUPER tasty!! 🙂
I just bought the pumpkin spice creamer- cant wait to try it out! And thanks for the smoothie recipe– always looking for more of those!
I’ve been having double pumpkin awesomeness in my coffee with those pumpkin k cups! So good!!
I just bought the pumpkin spice creamer- cant wait to try it out! And thanks for the smoothie recipe– always looking for more of those!
Pumpkin spiced latte from starbucks is my favourite drink of life! That being said…you can imagine my interest in your smoothie! I must try it.
It grosses and weirds me out when things that are sold as something have absolutely none of that ingredient in it. and we wonder why we’re fat and have a ton of adrenal and other issues?
Very true! It’s so funny with pumpkin though because people think they LOVE pumpkin, but really they might just love the spice/sugar that goes along with it. I know it takes some sweetness and spice to make pumpkin delicious for me!
It grosses and weirds me out when things that are sold as something have absolutely none of that ingredient in it. and we wonder why we’re fat and have a ton of adrenal and other issues?
It is! You have to try it!!
I’ve been having double pumpkin awesomeness in my coffee with those pumpkin k cups! So good!!
Very true! It’s so funny with pumpkin though because people think they LOVE pumpkin, but really they might just love the spice/sugar that goes along with it. I know it takes some sweetness and spice to make pumpkin delicious for me!
I have a deep love for all things pumpkin. I went a little overload. I think the pumpkin stuff was definitely released a little early. I haven’t tried the pumpkin spice latte at starbucks yet, but I think I might have to immediately. It looks amazing.
Yes I still have to try it hot! And today would be a good day since there is a high of about 40 degrees today…
I have a deep love for all things pumpkin. I went a little overload. I think the pumpkin stuff was definitely released a little early. I haven’t tried the pumpkin spice latte at starbucks yet, but I think I might have to immediately. It looks amazing.
I feel like such a sham that I’m a blogger who has never actually used a real pumpkin in a pumpkin recipe! Thanks for the tips 🙂
haha well I thought I better try at least once! Let me know if you end up going for the real deal! I’m interested to see how it goes! 🙂
I feel like such a sham that I’m a blogger who has never actually used a real pumpkin in a pumpkin recipe! Thanks for the tips 🙂
I’m loving this pumpkin craziness! Also, loving the orange juice pumpkin combo in your smoothie…. can’t wait to give that one a try!
Nice recipe! I love pumpkin. It looks yummy and worth to try. Thanks for sharing this recipe,