My favorite Fall flavors are cinnamon, apple, nutmeg and of course, pumpkin!

Their warming combinations create sweet and hearty dishes. However, indulging in apple spice tarts and pumpkin pie everyday, is only practical for hibernating bears.

I love recreating unhealthy dishes with more nutritious substitutes, that don’t skimp on taste. After all, no one wants to eat something bland, no matter how healthy it is.

This pumpkin pie green smoothie delivers on taste and nutrition. Although it’s not exactly a pie, it has all of the flavor and creaminess of the staple Fall treat. Even better, it doesn’t have the added calories and fat. It also gets a major health boost of Vitamin A, C, antioxidants and fiber, from the greens, pumpkin and spices.

Pumpkin Pie Green Smoothie

Ingredients:

1.5 cups spinach

1/3 cup pumpkin filling (not pumpkin pie filling)

1/2 banana

1/2 apple

1 tsp. pure maple syrup

1-1.5 tsp. cinnamon

Generous sprinkle of nutmeg

Sprinkle of cloves

1 Tbsp. flax seeds

Small piece fresh ginger

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

Directions:

Put all ingredients into a high-speed blender.

Cozy up to your favorite book and enjoy!

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Editor: Rachel Nussbaum

{Photo: Daniel E Lee}