Spooky Pumpkin Pie Smoothies

Double, Double, Toil and Trouble. Cauldron Burn and PUMPKIN bubble!

If Fall makes you pumpkin crazy and you're looking for another way to indulge, whip up this simple smoothie! Depending on your mood and occasion, this HEALTHY and yummy smoothie can be made two ways: a spookier green slime version as seen above (great for kiddos or a creepy Halloween party treat) or the more traditional look of pumpkin pie....but in a cup. 

The fun part of this is that the spooky kid-friendly version actually has a TRICK in its ghoulish glass...extra VEGGIES! And you can't even taste them! It's just pumpkin spice and everything nice.

I personally like to go in a creepy direction for Halloween parties, so the "spooky" slime version of the smoothie is more of my jam for a party. Typically one doesn't look at something slime green and expect to taste pumpkin though, so when I drink this smoothie not at a party setting, I like to drink it from an opaque container so that the color doesn't trick my tastebuds. As much as I love my greens, it's not the most appetizing color for drinking...unless of course it's Halloween!

Because I am always looking for ways to sneak more greens into my daily diet, I will always opt for the spooky version of this recipe, especially since the pumpkin flavor is all I can taste when I drink it. Smoothies really are a great way to get a good amount of fruits, veggies, and healthy fats in a single tasty serving, and if you use frozen fruits & veggies, you can always have the ingredients on hand without worrying if something has passed its prime. (Tip: if some of your fresh produce is nearing its prime and you don't think you'll use it in time, wash it and freeze it to use in a smoothie later!)

And why limit this to just Halloween? Pumpkin is pretty much standard fare at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and though the slime version is probably not going to go over as well for those particular holidays, the orange pumpkin spice version of the smoothie would be a perfect addition to a holiday brunch with your friends and family...if you aren't sick of pumpkin spice everything by then. Personally, I'm waiting impatiently for peppermint mocha season as that's my favorite time of year.

But I digress, so let's get to those recipes.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Recipe (makes 2 servings)
Ingredients:

• 1 c. of Canned Pumpkin (not the pumpkin pie mix)
• 1 tbsp date syrup or nectar
• 2 tbsp almond butter
• 1 1/2 - 2 c. of water or milk of choice
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1 c. ice

To make the spooky GREEN version, add:

• 1 c. frozen spinach and/or kale

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Optional: Garnish with cinnamon sticks or spooky spiders.
3. Serve in small mason jars or drinkware of choice.

Calories per serving: 154 (if you use milk for the liquid, add accordingly)

I'd love to know if you use this recipe for your Halloween party, and if the spooky slime version is a hit with your little ones! And if you make any modifications, I'd love to hear how they turn out. 

Thanks for stopping by my blog, and Happy Halloween!

xoxo, Ludella