Monday, September 27, 2021

Pumpkin Spice Cocoa Smoothie





Pumpkin season is finally here, and I'm enjoying my annual chocolate pumpkin smoothie. 

This cocoa/chocolate pumpkin smoothie might look simple, but it's rich and delicious tasting. Unsweetened cocoa has all the chocolatey flavor of chocolate without the fat and sugar.

Cocoa Powder, Snack, Cacao, Powder

I sweeten the smoothie with a ripe banana and it is flavored with pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spices.

Shake, Chocolate, Banana, Drink, Drinking Straw, Cute

As soon as it starts to feel like fall, everyone starts looking for pumpkin recipes. Truthfully, I have one basic recipe for this delicious smoothie, and I vary the spices and add-ins seasonally. 

Pumpkin, October, Halloween, Autumn

So in the fall, I add in pumpkin puree- link to easy recipe (make my own ) and pumpkin pie spices; in the summer I might add frozen blueberries or frozen strawberries to the basic recipe. 

Pumpkin, Autumn, Harvest

Pumpkin is a vegetable that contains a significant amount of nutrients and is rich in Vitamin A. It's a nice addition to fall recipes.

Glitter Leaf, Fall, Autumn, Glitter

I love this tasty smoothie, and I think you will too. Drink it for a pick me up that provides excellent nourishment which we all need to avoid burnout and fatigue. Actually, I often drink one for breakfast if I'm in  in a rush. Kids love it too.

Banana, Good Food, Healthy, Fruit

I make my smoothie in a blender or in my Nutribullet. 

The recipe is flexible and you can add add a variety of ingredients to it depending on your personal preferences and needs. 

I always include a handful of fresh greens such as baby spinach or baby kale for calcium, alkalinity, and body cleansing.  The slightly 
"green" flavor of the spinach is overpowered by the other ingredients, and I don't detect its taste at all.

Spinach, Herbs, Rosemary, Cooking, Food

I'll share my basic recipe with you first and then add the choices for my seasonal variations.
 

Pumpkin, Orange, Harvest, Food, Autumn


Basic Cocoa Smoothie Recipe Ingredients : 
1 heaping tablespoon unsweetened (link) organic cocoa powder ( I use this one)
1 ripe banana (or a frozen banana if you want a cold smoothie)
1 handful of fresh baby spinach
1 and 1/2 cups of nut milk 
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric
1 date (which I soak in the nut milk for 15 minutes if it needs softening)

For a pumpkin smoothie I add: 
1/8 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup of pumpkin puree


or go crazy with any of these additions for other seasons

  • 1-2  dates for a sweeter taste
  • 1 cup of frozen wild blueberries - these are not sweet but contain a host of health antioxidants (Costco or BJ's sell them)
  • 1 cup of organic frozen strawberries
  • 1 handful of baby kale
  • pinch of cardamom 
  • drop of rose water 
  • 1 heaping tablespoon of PB2 (peanut butter powder) 
  • chia seeds (link)- lots of health benefits such as Omega 3 fatty acids- I buy these chia seeds
  • flax seeds (link), ground -I use a coffee mill and grind mine fresh each time - also a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids- I buy this one
Directions: 
Blend everything until smooth; I use a blender or NutriBullet





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17 comments:

  1. I love everything pumpkin and pumpkin spice, and this is such a wonderful and healthy smoothie!

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    1. Yes, I do tend to like a healthy smoothie and it's so easy to vary the ingredients. Of course for this time of the year its got to be PUMPKIN flavored.

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  2. I am not a smoothie fan, but this one looks really luscious and delicious!

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    1. I really like a smoothies when I add cocoa to it. It bring it to a new level..

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  3. My husband has smoothies for breakfast on occasion. Hummm…

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    1. He might like this smoothie Marie but even for a pick me up snack later in the day.

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  4. This sounds like something I would enjoy. I don't ever have dates but maybe the banana would give it enough sweetness!

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    1. I frequently make it without dates- just a ripe banana. I've sort of gotten on a sweet kick so I added the date for extra sweetness.

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  5. I'm sure my kids would love this smoothie.

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    1. Pam, The cocoa flavor is so appealing and the banana makes it sweet. They won't even know they are drinking baby kale or baby spinach. Don't forget the turmeric - so good for you

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  6. Delicious!!...it warms up the body!...I love the combination of flavors!.....Abrazotes, Marcela

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    1. Yes, the spices are somewhat warming. I love the taste of turmeric ..

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  7. That looks yummy! Thanks so much for linking up at the Unlimited Link Party 35. Pinned!

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  8. Love your Pumpkin Spice Cocoa Smoothie, looks delicious! Thanks for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday, 556!
    Miz Helen

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  9. CONGRATS! Your post is FEATURED at my Unlimited Link Party 36!

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  10. My kids love just about anything with chocolate in it, so this might be a hit! Pinning so we can try it later this week!

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  11. I love the pumpkin border!! Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party. Hope the week ahead brings you smiles and joy.

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