If you’re like me, you get excited about the arrival of the red Starbucks cups. It only means one thing, Christmas is upon us! The countdown begins with the introduction to the Halloween menu – i.e Pumpkin Spice Latte and that for me is the ultimate treat. I love the Pumpkin family, butternut squash to be precise but pumpkin itself is so delicious and so good for you too.
- A cup of cooked, mashed pumpkin contains more than 200 percent of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A, which aids vision, particularly in dim light,
- Pumpkin is an often-overlooked source of fiber, but with three grams per one-cup serving and only 49 calories, it can keep you feeling full for longer on fewer calories.
- The same free-radical-neutralizing powers of the carotenoids in pumpkin that may keep cancer cells at bay can also help keep the skin wrinkle-free,
- Whether or not vitamin C can really ward off colds is still up for debate, but pumpkins are a solid source of the essential nutrient. One cup of cooked pumpkin contains more than 11 milligrams,
Source: (“8 Impressive Health Benefits Of Pumpkin”)
With Halloween just over a week away I thought what better way to get in the mood than with these Pumpkin Spice Bites ( Vegan and Gluten Free).
Ingredients ( Makes 12 approx)
- 75g gluten free oats
- 15g coconut flour (I used Sukrin)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sweetener (I used Sukrin:1)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp allspice
- 60g pumpkin puree ( You can get this in Sainsbury’s in the American food section)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract ( I used TRKG Vanilla Skinny Syrup, use my code TRKGIRUN for 10% off)
- 30g nut butter of choice ( I used Pip N Nut Honey Cinnamon Cashew Butter)
- 30g sticky sweetener ( I used Beloved Date Nectar)
- 1 tbsp dairy free milk of choice ( I used Alpro Cashew)
Cinnamon and granulated sweetener of choice, to coat bites in (optional)
Method:
- In a large bowl combine the flour, sweetener, cinnamon, nutmeg and all-spice and mix well.
- In a microwave safe bowl, heat the nut butter with the date nectar until fully combined. Add vanilla syrup .
- Add wet mixture and pumpkin to the dry mixture and mix well. Depending on the consistency, either add dairy free milk of choice or extra flour until a firm texture is formed.
- Using your hands, form into small bite sized balls. Roll balls in optional cinnamon/sugar mixture and place on a baking tray or plate. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to firm up.
This is what I will be giving to any trick or treaters ( I’m joking!), I think the kids would be rather piddled off!
Happy Halloween…
As always let me know what you think.
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