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Ah, fall! That time of year when everything magically becomes pumpkin pie scented and flavored. From candles (don’t buy them!), to lattes, and everything in between … pumpkin is in the air.
Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Unfortunately, many of these “pumpkin pie spice” products don’t actually contain any pumpkin or spice. In fact, many are artificially pumpkin scented or flavored.
Ironically, there isn’t any actual pumpkin in this recipe either, but in this case, it has been replaced with an even more nutrient dense option: Cushaw squash. This vitamin C and beta carotene packed squash is hard to find but easy to use if you can find it.
It is a wonderful substitute for pumpkin in many recipes and can be used as anything from breakfasts to desserts. Of course, you can also use pumpkin puree in this smoothie as well, but I’d recommend giving delicious cushaw a try if you can.
Cushaw can also substitute for pumpkin puree in these recipes:
Also, if you’re a fan of pumpkin pie scent but don’t want the artificial fragrances in most candles and air fresheners, try making a pumpkin spice room spray with these simple ingredients instead and make your own pumpkin pie spice in bulk too!
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
At first, I was unsure about using the more savory flavors of pumpkin in a smoothie, but this recipe makes a refreshing and delicious smoothie. It is easily customizable and fast to make.
Add more or less pumpkin pie spice and sweetener to suit your taste. Or try omitting the banana and using 2 dates instead as another way to get natural sweetness without adding any refined sweeteners.
Check out this post for a tutorial on how to puree cushaw squash and store for use in recipes like this.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ frozen banana
- ½ cup yogurt
- ½ cup cushaw puree
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- 4 ice cubes
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 TBSP ground flax or chia seeds optional
- 1 TBSP honey or maple syrup optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in blender and pulse until smooth
Notes
Nutrition
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Ever tried Cushaw? Would you? What is your favorite pumpkin pie spiced food, drink, or product?
I add pumpkin or squash puree to any soup or stew to thicken it while adding nutrition. You can also substitute the puree for any liquid in a recipe, like in casseroles, quiche, pancakes, or muffins.