It looks like the pumpkin spice craze hit a little early this year. I have zero complaints. Zero. I admit I DO follow the pumpkin spice latte on twitter. Not sure if I hate it or love it. Is it possible to feel both hatred and love? #PumpkinSpiceThoughts. I’m so excited that it’s September. Growing up, I loved summer, but going to school in Ithaca, NY fully converted me to a fall-obsessed chick. The unofficial mascot of Ithaca was basically a plaid shirt.

I absolutely love the fall. While I’m sad I won’t be in Ithaca, I’m still looking forward to fall runs, apple picking, sweaters and all pumpkin-errythang. I wore through the bottom of my favorite boots, so this weekend I picked up a new pair. Can you tell I love fall?

Now that it’s officially September, I had to whip up a quick, pumpkin treat. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good Pumpkin Spice Latte, but they’re definitely a treat-and-a-half. When I do indulge, it’s usually late September for an iced PSL with half the pumps and soy milk (no whip). So I thought I’d mix up a lighter, more nutritious pumpkin drink. The frozen banana (which is the base of most my smoothies) with pureed pumpkin adds the creamy texture, the mixture of spices make this smoothie taste like fall in a cup. I added the turmeric to enhance the rich pumpkin color and bring out the other spices. Turmeric (and ginger) are also anti-inflammatories.

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 frozen bananas
• 1/3 cup of pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1 tsp of cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp of pumpkin spice
• 1/4 tsp of turmeric
• Splash of almond milk
• Maple syrup to taste (I added 2 tsp)

Directions

• Place all ingredients in a high powered blender and blend until smooth

Added some Purely Elizabeth (new obsession) Granola on top, basically drinking a pumpkin pie.

Question Time:

• Do you have a favorite season?
• What’s your favorite part about fall?

Need more Pumpkin?

• Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites
• 7 Pumpkin Recipes You Have to Try This Fall
• Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

0