Tastes of Autumn {Pumpkin Harvest Smoothie}

Autumn has some of my favorite flavors... rich beef bourguignon, hearty beef stew, roasted root veggies, and of course, pumpkin. Of course there is always Halloween candy. Its a great time to eat. Unfortunately its also an easy time to over indulge! Sometimes I want something that is sweet, but also healthy. I'm a big fan of smoothies, and this one tastes like the Autumn in a cup.

It is a bit of a treat, thanks to the natural sugars in the apple and yogurt, but is full of amazing vitamins too. One cup of pumpkin gives you 100% of your daily needs for vitamin A, 20% of the daily value for vitamin C, 10% or more for vitamin E, riboflavin, potassium, copper and manganese, and at least 5% for thiamin, B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, niacin, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. Now that is a super veggie!

This is a simple, quick way to get tons of great vitamins and minerals, while still enjoying something that has some of the best flavors of the season!


Pumpkin Harvest Smoothie

1 small apple (chilled in the fridge/freezer, if possible)
1/2 mounded cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt  (or plain yogurt + 1 tsp pure vanilla extract)
1 tsp + pumpkin pie spice
milk as needed
ice cubes (optional)

1. This smoothie is best cold, so if you have time to plan it out beforehand, cut, core, and freeze one apple. If not, no worries, use a room temp apple then add ice at the end.
2. Add your apple, pumpkin puree, yogurt, and pumpkin pie spice to your blender. Pulse until apple is completely pureed and everything is mixed together smoothly.
3. Taste and add more pumpkin spice as desired.
4. Add enough milk to thin out to desired consistency, and ice (if using), blend until completely incorporated.
5. Add a straw and enjoy! 

This smoothie is sweet, flavorful, and makes me feel good to drink. The yogurt adds a touch of protein, making it a great snack to get you over the mid-afternoon hump. Let me know what you think!