Pioneer Woman's Pumpkin Smoothie

If you like pumpkin, MAKE THIS SMOOTHIE. Period. I will not believe you are a pumpkin fan until you try this. I normally avoid smoothies unless it's my Pineapple-Coconut Smoothie as I like to see what my food looked like and I also enjoy the act of chewing but I will make an exception for this pumpkin smoothie.

I am moderately to highly obsessed (depending on the day) with The Pioneer Woman. She had posted her recipe for a pumpkin smoothie some time ago. Of course, I read her post but dismissed her recipe. A pumpkin smoothie? That sounded weird. Well, when I was trying to find new pumpkin/winter squash recipes, I kept seeing that scrumptious little glass.

Since all the Pioneer Woman recipes I've made are delicious and she doesn't know this yet but she's one of my food mentors, I trusted her on this one and I had to try her pumpkin smoothie. 4 smoothies later, I am a pumpkin smoothie believer.

I even used skim milk and nonfat plain yogurt (1.Lame I know but we're on this let's try to eat healthier kick and 2. If you can find it, Nancy's yogurt is so creamy and delectable even if it is nonfat) and this smoothie still tasted creamy and naughty.

I am going to leave you with this profound thought: If this pumpkin smoothie was awesome with plain pumpkin puree (with just a hint of spice), I wonder it would taste like with pumpkin butter...?

Recent Favorite Recipes

Z. and I have been making Pineapple-Coconut Smoothies for a few months now. We love the cold, fruity flavor at the end of the day, waiting for the cool ocean air to make its way to the valley and chill the air. Just keep in mind, the following recipe makes enough for 2 people.

Variation: Add 1/2 cup yogurt to the blender.Yum!

Pineapple-Coconut Smoothie

by Ace Nation

Keywords: blender pineapple coconut milk

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 1 tray of ice cubes, about 2 cups
• 1 cup pineapple juice, or 1 can Trader Joe's pineapple juice
• 1 cup light coconut milk

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a blender.

Process until smooth.

Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

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A second recipe Z. and I have enjoyed recently is Marinated Cauliflower Salad with Chickpeas, which was inspired by our Pasta Salad. One of my favorites parts of this salad is the transformation of some of the vegetables, like cauliflower. With a little time marinating, the cauliflower becomes more tender.

Variation: Turn this side dish into a meal by combining 1 cup of salad with some bean thread noodles. Healthy and delicious!

 Enjoy!

Marinated Cauliflower Salad with Chickpeas

by Ace Nation

Keywords: raw gluten-free vegan beans/lentils cauliflower

Ingredients

• 1/2 head cauliflower, chopped into bite-size pieces
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1/4 red onion, diced
• 1 15 ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/3 bunch cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Red pepper flakes, to taste

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Allow to marinate int he refrigerator for at least one hour.

Enjoy!

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