Monday, November 21, 2016

Fall fell into my frappe & salad.

I've got to say....I love me some pumpkin!
Whether it be savory or sweet or in a Frappe or shake.
I never tire of this seasonal taste treat.
The "Pumpkin Spice Frappucino" is the fall season opener.  For most it is greatly anticipated with bated breath.

(Goggle Image)

As much as I adore any of the pumpkin  drinks offered, they come with a hefty calorie count.
Until now! 
Here's the low calorie recipe I created for my morning pumpkin smoothie/Frappe.
For a single serve I combine into my blender glass the following ~ingredients~
1/2 cup crushed ice with any
 milk of choice, just enough to top the ice.  
I prefer a low fat milk and or unsweetened almond milk.  
This is where you add the amount of organic canned pumpkin pie mix or puree you so desire.  If you use the pumpkin puree alone,you'll need to add the spices.  For me it's 1 cube of each...pumpkin pie mix and organic pumpkin (puree).
The pumpkin pie filling provides sweetness and spice.
Where he plain pumpkin gives the flavor but cuts the sugar content.

  Add a flavorful vanilla protein powder.
Freezing the pumpkin into cubes has up my game!

  Blend thoroughly. 
Top with a small dollop of .....
 So Delicious CoCo Whip
or...
Truwhip natural real cream topping.


 Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.


It's the combination of pumpkin pie mix with the puree that makes this a go-to for my breakfast routine.

Savory Pumpkin Salad

Along with pumpkins there's an abundance of Fall squashes available.
When grilled it makes a delightful companion with leafy greens for a fresh salad.
For this particular dish I grilled up a variety of  squashes & veggies.    
Pumpkin, butternut squash, (yellow) sweet potato, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers.  Served over a generous mixture of leafy greens.  Topped with a splash of vinaigrette dressing or homemade avocado dressing. 
Blend an avocado with lime juice and a splash of water to create a dressing consistency.  I added season salts, Mexi spices and a little  fresh garlic.  
On occasion I'll add grilled seasoned chicken breast tenderloins.