Happy October!!!
I love this time of year because I absolutely adore pumpkin! Nothing says “Fall” quite like pumpkin. I mean, really, what other vegetable do we use to decorate with??? (Spinach garlands, anyone?) Seriously, though, pumpkin is SO full of yummy health benefits- until it hits store shelves in super processed, sugar saturated, artificially flavored form. (I’m looking at you, pumpkin Oreos.) So to help you out with your pumpkin fix and save you from falling into the “processed pumpkin” trap, I’m sharing a delicious and simple recipe: Pumpkin Parfaits!
Why does pumpkin get so much attention? Well, beyond being super tasty and oh so comforting, it is a nutritional powerhouse! A cup of pureed pumpkin has over 200% of the vitamin A you need in a day! Pumpkin is also a good source of vitamin C and potassium. You can totally use it in many of the recipes where you might use bananas, like smoothies or oatmeal. Bonus: pumpkin is very filling, and a whole cup will only set you back 50 calories. Just make sure you get your pumpkin on with some healthier options, like this parfait, and not a slice of pie piled with whipped cream 🙂
This little creamy and crunchy dish is perfect for a snack, breakfast, or lunch (or dinner. Hey, I won’t judge.)
Serves 4
Ingredients
1 can of pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
4 individual- sized containers of plain Greek yogurt. Look for a brand low in sugar. Use a dairy free option, if you so desire.
1 TBS honey
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
Granola, for garnish- I used this one. The cinnamon in the granola works perfectly in this recipe
Directions
1. Mix pumpkin puree with honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. In a bowl or mason jar, alternate layers of pumpkin and yogurt, using a whole container of yogurt per serving, and 1/4 of the pumpkin mixture ( a little more than 1/3 cup)
3. Top with granola, and enjoy the flavors of fall!
This recipe is so quick and easy, and you really can’t mess it up. Feel free, as usual, to get creative with your parfait. (spiced pecans instead of granola? Yes please!)
What are some of your fave ways to enjoy pumpkin? Do you have any pumpkin-y indulgences that you would like to see me healthify? Let me know! Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some pumpkin calling my name!
XO, Alexandra
Luv this!!!! I was going for the Pumpkin Latte at Starbucks until I saw the ingredients in the pumpkin syrup they use to make them (NOT GOOD)! This will be a perfect substitute!!!!!! Thank you!!