Pumpkin pie in a cup!

I made this pumpkin smoothie to go with my oatmeal this morning after my run.  It was so delicious, I had to share the recipe.  We have pumpkins (Sugar Pumpkins, also called Pie Pumpkins) coming out our ears; our garden was good to us in that way this year.  I've been experimenting and putting pumpkin puree in just about everything.  Sometimes I want the pumpkin to be the star of the show and bring out it's full flavor, like in the Pumpkin Spice Cake I made last night.  Other times I just want to sneak the pumpkin in the recipe to add to the health benefits, without any obvious pumpkin flavor, as it was with the Alfredo (pumpkin) sauce I made for our pasta for last night's dinner.  Well, if you enjoy the flavor of pumpkin, specifically pumpkin pie, you will love this "milkshake"!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pumpkin puree (we use fresh, cooked pumpkin, but you could use canned pumpkin also)

1 cup skim milk (you could substitute 1 cup vanilla yogurt or vanilla soy milk)

2 tsps. brown sugar

1 tablespoon Splenda (depending on how sweet you prefer, you could add more or less, or use honey)

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

1/8 tsp. ginger

1/8 tsp. cloves

(For the above 3 ingredients, you could also substitute 1/2 tsp. Allspice or Pumpkin Pie Spice)

1/2 cup ice cubes

Add liquid to your blender first, then pumpkin puree, sweeteners and spices.  Then put a few of the ice cubes in and start the blender.  Gradually add the rest of the ice, until you reach the consistency you like best.  I like mine thick like a real milkshake, so I add a little more ice.

For a bonus, you could add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon to the top.  It's awesome!  And by the way, pumpkin is very healthy.  It is rich in potassium, vitamin A and fiber, and even has a bit of protein and vitamin C to add to the benefits.  I usually add protein powder to my morning smoothies, and since I'm all out of it right now, I ate oatmeal with my smoothie.  But I think some vanilla protein powder added to the above recipe would make it a very healthy, filling breakfast or snack.