Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

When I started this blog, there was a blog post trending about pumpkin pie milkshakes.  Countless people sent me the link.  So, by popular demand, I made one!  It was fun, easy and delicious.  And most of the ingredients are probably right in your cupboard and freezer.

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
Recipe by Our Best Bites

1/3 C pumpkin, canned or homemade
1/4 – 1/2 C milk
1/4 t vanilla
1/2 t cinnamon
1/16 t cloves (just use a 1/8 t measure and fill it half way, or do a pinch)
1/16 t nutmeg
2 T brown sugar
2 C vanilla ice cream
1-2 graham crackers

Ingredients!

I kind of just threw some milk into the blender, added some pumpkin and pumpkin spice and blended it up.  I used a food processor because it was more readily available, but definitely use a blender if you have one.  Then sprinkle with some graham cracker crumbs.  I didn't measure at all, I just eye-balled it.  And it was so good!  It reminded me so much of Dairy Queen's Blizzard, but so many less calories.

SOURCE: Our Best Bites: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/09/pumpkin-pie-milkshake/

Pumpkin Oatmeal

Oatmeal.  A lot of people don't like it.  Many people haven't gotten past Quaker Instant Oats with its artificial taste and added preservatives and sugar.

I, on the other hand, LOVE oatmeal.  It took me a while to get to REALLY like it.  When I wanted to lose weight a couple of years ago, I needed something healthy, fast, and filling.  Not satisfied with gross instant oats, I tried Quaker Old-Fashioned and Quaker Quick-Cooking.  Quick-cooking isn't as healthy as old-fashioned, due to some processing, but its texture is so much nicer.  Sweetened with some brown sugar and raisins, it's a real breakfast treat (though I don't recommend eating it with brown sugar every day if you are trying to eat healthy).

Add pumpkin and it's amazing!

In the fall, I like to keep a small container of pumpkin at work.  I add two heaping teaspoons to my oatmeal BEFORE cooking, and pop it in the microwave!  I also like to add a little dollop of peanut butter for an even better treat.

Ingredients:
Quaker Oatmeal
Water
Salt
Pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
Pumpkin
Brown sugar

Start with some Quaker Old Fashioned or Quick 1-Minute Oats:

Add water or milk per package directions and a dash of salt.  Stir and add a huge heaping tablespoon of pumpkin.

Stir it again and add your spices. 

Cook for one minute.  Stir.  Cook for about another minute.  If it still seems like it could use more time, cook at 30 second intervals until you think it's ready.  Stir in some brown sugar if desired, and you're all set!

That's it! Eat it right away.  It is truly delicious.  My daughter and I gobbled this right up.  Who said a healthy breakfast has to be boring?