 |
| I HEART Autumn! |
First, I should apologize for being a bad blogger. Life just got in the way of writing, and, well, I should be scolded! Second, with my return comes a treat – a look into "all things" pumpkin in celebration of fall!
If you know me personally, you know that this time of year is synonymous with one word for me - PUMPKIN. I am pretty much a sucker for all things made with it and scented like it and wait for this time of year (like a little kid) to indulge in a big way.
But, unlike years past, I know that I can’t allow myself to down every muffin, bread or beverage infused with pumpkin, as many come with some very scary nutritional stats. So I’ve been on the hunt for new products, recipe makeovers and all things in between to satisfy my very big craving!
I can happily say that I’ve discovered that, yes, you can have your pumpkin and eat it too! I hope my personal Top 5 (in no particular order because I love them all!) recipes/products below inspire you to make healthy choices while enjoying the ‘tastes’ of fall!
1. Thomas’ Pumpkin Spice Bagel Thins
I read about these in an email I received from
Hungry Girl and luckily found them at my local market. Word on the street is that they'll be around through November, so get 'em while you can! My current preparation is to toast the bagel and top with 1 wedge of Laughing Cow Cinnamon Cream Cheese spread. At 155 calories and a PointsPlus
® value of 4, it's a super delicious breakfast option, or a great snack anytime of the day!
2. Edy’s Pumpkin Ice Cream
Talk about a delicious dessert option. If you're like me, pumpkin ice cream is a seasonal treat I look forward to all year round! Edy's has always released this flavor for fall, but it's only in more recent years that they have also released a lightened up version. Creamy, rich and made with just the right amount of spice, this ice cream tastes just like the kind you can get at your local parlor, but the nutritional facts are MUCH lower. Each 1/2 cup serving clocks in at a PointsPlus
® value of 3, so you can indulge without the guilt!
3. Pumpkin Beverages
Everyone loves a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks, but the stats are pretty scary, even if you order the nonfat version. Dunkin' Donuts also offers a pumpkin-flavored coffee in-store this time of year, but it's made with sugar-laden syrup, adding many calories to your coffee, before cream (cue the debbie-downer wah-waaahhh)! However, fear not my friends - there is an alternative!
Dunkin' Donuts offers a ground coffee (for home use) in Pumpkin that's lower in calories. It's delicious when flavored with a caramel low fat or fat free creamer - and tastes very similar to the latte people love so much!
Also, International Delight and Coffee-Mate both offer seasonal Pumpkin Spice creamer this time of year. Again, you can add the flavor you want without the unnecessary calories and carbs!
4. Pantry Go-To: Pumpkin Pie Spice
Talk about a way to add flavor without consequence! Used primarily in baking, pumpkin pie spice is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice. I've been sprinkling it on top of my hazelnut coffee and incorporating it into my oatmeal in the morning - and it adds just a touch of that spice that you find in traditional pumpkin pie. I also recommend mixing it into some reduced-fat or fat free cream cheese for a fun twist on cinnamon spread. Yum!
5. Pumpkin Pasta
(Adapted from an original Rachael Ray favorite, this recipe got a makeover that strips away a ton of fat and calories!).
Whole wheat pasta, a creamy pumpkin sauce and fresh sage come together to make a fabulous and affordable fall recipe that's sure to please!
Serves 4 (1 heaping cup each) (PointsPlus® Value of 6)
Ingredients
8 oz. whole-wheat penne
1 teaspoon extra-virgin
olive oil
1 large shallot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic grated
1 cups vegetable stock
1/2 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
1/4 cup fat-free half and half
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (I like smoky
chipotle), to taste
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 to 4 leaves fresh sage, thinly sliced
plus more, for garnish
1/4 cup grated reduced fat parmesan-
style topping
Directions
Heat water for pasta, salt it and cook
penne to al dente.
Heat the oil over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic
to the pan, saute 3 minutes. Stir in stock and combine with pumpkin, stir in
cream then season sauce with hot sauce, pumpkin pie spice, salt and pepper. Reduce
heat to medium low and simmer 5 to 6 minutes more to thicken. Stir in sage,
toss with pasta with grated cheese, serve and enjoy!
Bonus Find!
Looking for something to satisfy the craving for pumpkin muffins and breads? I HIGHLY recommend trying this Hungry Girl Recipe for Pumpkin Bread Muffins - the best of both worlds AND they are topped with icing. Hello Delicious-ness!
I hope that the info above helps you enjoy all the flavors of fall without the guilt! Now, tell me, what healthy recipes or finds are your go-to's during the season?
