½ cup pumpkin puree (preferably fresh, but if store-bought, look for tetra-paks or BPA-free cans)
1 ripe banana, peeled, cut into pieces and frozen
a handful of ice
1 Tablespoon vanilla protein powder (such as Sun Warrior)
¾ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice*
½ - ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
extra sweetener, if needed: 1-2 pitted dates, pure maple syrup to taste or a couple drops of stevia
other delicious and healthful add-ins: a handful of frozen or cold, steamed cauliflower; 1 Tablespoon flax or hemp seed, 1 Tablespoon almond butter or raw cashew butter, spoonful of lucuma powder, spoonful of coconut butter
Instructions
Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth and creamy. Taste for sweetness and consistency and adjust if desired. Enjoy as is or top with a dusting of ground cinnamon and shredded, unsweetened coconut.
Notes
I am crazy about Oaktown Spice Pumpkin Pie Spice right now, but you can make your own blend combining cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. Cardamom is nice, too.
Recipe by Pamela Salzman at https://pamelasalzman.com/pumpkin-pie-smoothie-recipe-with-a-secret-ingredient/