Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Recipe

A Season of Warmth and Connection

As the crisp autumn air settles in, many people look forward to cozy sweaters, crunchy leaves, and comfort foods that fill us with nostalgia. One such cozy classic is the famed pumpkin spice flavor that has become ubiquitous once the calendar turns to fall.

Rather than get caught up in debates about pumpkin spice overload, I think we would do well to appreciate the spirit behind this seasonal sensation. At its heart, pumpkin spice represents comfort, warmth and community.

Bringing People Together Over Food

Sharing meals fosters human connection. When we prepare and enjoy food together, walls between us crumble. In the case of pumpkin spice, it evokes scents and flavors that transport us to fond memories – time spent laughing with friends over pumpkin pie, afternoons baking cookies with grandma, moments that imprint deep bonds.

As we sip our pumpkin spice lattes, let’s be grateful for the people in our lives. Let’s reach out to someone we miss and make more memories over a comforting cup of something delicious.

Nourishing Our Bodies With Real Ingredients

Beyond the nostalgia, pumpkin itself boasts an impressive nutrient profile. This bright orange squash contains antioxidants, vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber. No wonder cultures around the world have prized pumpkin for centuries!

Rather than limit ourselves to pumpkin spice syrups and artificial flavorings, I say let’s tap into the actual benefits of pumpkin. Read on for a wholesome recipe for DIY pumpkin spice blend and a smoothie that harnesses real food ingredients.

Whip Up Your Own Pumpkin Spice

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Ľ teaspoon ground cloves
Ľ teaspoon ground allspice

Simply mix the spices together thoroughly and store in an airtight container. Use 2-3 teaspoons per cup of pumpkin puree when making anything pumpkin flavored. Adjust amounts to suit your tastebuds!

Blend up this luscious, protein-rich sipper for a perfect start to a brisk fall day. Roasting the pumpkin brings out its natural sweetness.

Ingredients:

1 cup roasted pumpkin puree
1 banana
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup milk of choice
2 scoops vanilla protein powder
1 tablespoon pumpkin spice blend (see above)
1⁄8 teaspoon cinnamon
Ľ teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of nutmeg
Pinch of ginger
4 ice cubes

Instructions

Prepare your own pumpkin puree by roasting pumpkin cubes at 400°F for 20 minutes, or use canned puree.
Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and puree until smooth.
Pour into a glass and garnish with extra pumpkin spice blend, ground cinnamon or pumpkin seeds if desired.

Sip and enjoy this cozy, protein-packed smoothie! Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.

A Season of Sharing

However you harness the essence of pumpkin spice this year, I encourage you to double any recipe and share with someone who might need extra comfort. Bring a batch of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies to your child’s teacher, gift a jar of pumpkin spice blend to newlyweds or drop off a smoothie with an elderly neighbor.

As the weather cools down, warm up someone else with this beloved flavor that brings back fond memories. After all, human connection is the ultimate comfort food for the soul.

Pumpkin Spice FAQs

Is pumpkin spice flavor seasonal?

Yes, pumpkin spice flavor is strongly associated with autumn and the harvest season in temperate regions. Many brands release seasonal pumpkin spice products as the weather cools in September/October.

Where did pumpkin spice originate?

Pumpkin pie spice blends trace back to at least the 1700s in America. The signature flavor combo was ideal for enhancing pumpkin pies, a staple dessert at Thanksgiving and fall harvest celebrations.

What’s actually in pumpkin spice?

Typical pumpkin spice contains ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice. Cloves and cardamom sometimes feature too. Vanilla and molasses add extra warmth. The exact blend varies by recipe.

Is pumpkin spice healthy?

Real pumpkin is very nutritious, packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. However, many pumpkin spice products contain lots of sugar, chemical flavorings and additives. Enjoy spices in their whole food forms for maximum benefits.

What are some healthy ways to use pumpkin spice?

Homemade pumpkin spice blends added to roasted veggies, oatmeal, smoothies, chili and more allow you to control ingredients. You can also experiment with pumpkin in savory dishes, adding warmth and natural sweetness without excess sugar.