Can someone please explain to me how we’re already in the middle of Fall? Maybe it’s the 90-100° LA weather that’s tricking me into thinking we’re still in the midst of the hottest summer ever, rather than nearing the end of October. Normally during this time of year, I can’t wait to break out my loaf pans and whip up some chocolate chip pumpkin bread, but the combination of this record heat plus our broken AC unit has kept me far away from the kitchen. I’ve been trying to think of a way to get in the Fall spirit while avoiding my overheated little kitchen, and my Babé-le (my amazing grandma-in-law) gave me the perfect idea – a healthy pumpkin smoothie! Cool, refreshing, and festive – exactly what I was craving! You’ll love it!

Ingredients
​1-2 cups unsweetened nut milk
2 tbsp flax seeds
¼ cup pure pumpkin (just pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
½ tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1 date 
1 tbsp pecan butter or 2 tbsp raw pecans
1 serving (20 grams) vanilla protein
1/3 cup frozen cauliflower
Ice

Serves 1. 

Add all ingredients into a blender and whirl it up! Serve in a pretty glass  with a sprinkle of Pumpkin Pie Spice or cinnamon on top!

I actually made this smoothie while racing out the door to work this morning and Mitch took one sip and said “it tastes just like pumpkin pie!!” Mission accomplished! It’s seriously Thanksgiving-In-A-Glass. Enjoy!