Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Is it just me or do these insanely hot days make you crave autumn? Cooler days, football, tailgating, hockey, fall foliage, state fairs, pumpkin carving, Halloween, Thanksgiving...the list goes on. Don't get me wrong, I love summer and everything associated with this season. But sometimes I wouldn't mind a brisk fall day to break up these 100 degree days with 100% humidity.

Since I don't have the ability to change seasons, this smoothie is a close runner-up. It is cool and refreshing-perfect for hot summer days-with tastes of fall. This Pumpkin Pie Smoothie does, in fact, taste very similar to pumpkin pie, minus the buttery, flakey crust. But we'll get plenty of that this fall, I'm sure. Try this smoothie if you ever find yourself craving the tastes of autumn.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

(Serves 1)

1/2 medium banana
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup low fat no salt added cottage cheese*
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
2 packets stevia or sweetener of your choice
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (if you don't have this, you can just use cinnamon)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1-2 handfuls of ice

optional add-ins:
1 scoop unsweetened vanilla protein powder
1-3 tsp chia seeds

*Cottage cheese is the secret ingredient to a super creamy smoothie. Even if you are not a fan, try it once and I bet you will never use yogurt in your smoothies again!

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend for 30 seconds. Add more milk for a thinner smoothie. Add more ice for a thicker, more slushi-like smoothie.

Nutritional Information (without optional add-ins):
1 serving
Per serving:
Calories: 140
Fat: 3g
Fiber: 5.5g

Pros:
-Quick and easy to make
-Easy clean up
-Healthy and high in fiber
-Tastes very similar to pumpkin pie

Cons:
-Pumpkin puree is not carried year round in some grocery stores

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5