Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes with Almond Cashew Icing and (another) Pumpkin Pie Smoothie!

I know I know…..you’re probably sick of Pumpkin anything at this point since the overload at Thanksgiving weekend! But I can’t get enough of it! Pumpkins are everywhere, and soon I’ll be carving mine and roasting the seeds for a delicious snack. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these simple and delicious pumpkin pie cupcakes that are gluten free! As for the icing, I have to admit it was a cheat on my part. I’ve been wanting to try the Healthy Top almond and cashew whipping cream and thought it would be the perfect addition to my cupcakes….and they were! Enjoy!

Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

Ingredients
2 cups quinoa flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp cinnamon (I add extra cinnamon because I LOVE IT!)
2 eggs
1 cup organic pumpkin puree
3/4 cup sucanat
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
2 tbsp olive oil

Directions
Preheat oven to 375. Line a muffin tin with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together quinoa flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pie spice and cinnamon. In a large bowl, beat the eggs; add the pumpkin, sugar, buttermilk, applesauce and oil. Whisk until smooth. Add the pumpkin mixture to the flour mixture and gently stir until blended. Use a large spoon to divide batter evenly among the muffin cups. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool in the pan. If frosting, be sure cupcakes have completely cooled so the icing doesn’t melt!

Healthy Top Icing
View the link below to see how to whip the Healthy Top! It takes no time at all! I added 1 tsp of vanilla extract before whipping to give it some extra flavour. http://www.mimiccreme.com/whipping.html

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Last week I posted a GREEN pumpkin pie smoothie! The green hue was due to the protein powder that I use which contained spirulina and chlorella! Sooooo…..I felt the need to redo my smoothie and post a more “appropriate” looking Pumpkin Pie smoothie! 😉 Enjoy!

Ingredients
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1/4 cup Organic canned pumpkin puree
2 scoops vanilla whey protein powder
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. manuka honey
3-4 ice cubes

Directions
Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Happy Meatless Monday!

Health & Abundance,
Samantha 🙂

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Adzuki Bean, Sweet Potato and Kale Stew + Almond Avocado Cacao Power Shake for Meatless Monday

One pot veggie filled meals are the best! They are loaded with nutrition, great for experimenting with flavours and great for freezing! This simple stew is a perfect weeknight meal and great for those chilly nights, which I hate to admit but fall is officially upon us in just a few days. I love the bounty fall has to offer- pumpkins, squashes, rich greens…mmmm….I can’t wait! Looking forward to sharing many more fall inspired recipes with you this coming season! 🙂 Enjoy!

Adzuki Bean, Sweet Potato and Kale Stew

Ingredients
1 can organic adzuki beans
1 large sweet potato, cut into cubes
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 cup vegetable stock
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp turmeric
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp chili flake (optional)
pinch of cayenne (optional)
2 tsp sea salt or herbamare
1 bunch kale, chopped

Directions
Saute onion and garlic in coconut oil on low heat until onion is translucent. Add all spices and gently mix together. Add stock and sweet potato and let simmer for 10 minutes. Add beans, salt and simmer another 1o minutes. Layer kale on top of stew and put a tight fitting lid on top. This will help to steam kale. Let steam for 5 minutes or so, until kale is bright green and slightly crisp. Remove for heat and serve. **Depending on thickness of sweet potato cubes you may need to cook a few minutes longer or until desired texture is reached.

Almond Avocado Cacao Power Shake
This shake is loaded with antioxidants, energy, protein and fat! It’s a great breakfast shake when your on the go and need a much needed boost of nutrition and deliciousness!

Ingredients
1 cup coconut water
1 cup almond milk
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
2 heaping tbsp cacao powder
1 tbsp maca powder
1/2 avocado
3 medjool dates
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 heaping tbsp almond butter
ice

Directions
Place all ingredients into a high speed blender.

Happy Meatless Monday!

Health & Abundance,
Samantha 🙂

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