Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

I should probably just start a new feature called "pie for breakfast" because with this smoothie, and these Apple Pie Breakfast Bars, I am well on my to proving how much I like to mask everything so it tastes like dessert. I can see it now... pecan pie overnight oats, lemon meringue pancakes. Really, the possibilities are endless.

Until I run out of pies. Which would happen in approximately 11 days. Because I cannot name more than 11 pies. How sad.

Oh well, at least I've got this smoothie.

Smoothies are a daily consumption in this household and while I have my go to mix-ins, I am trying to broaden my horizons a bit. And since it's all-pumpkin-all-the-time these days, the move to adding pumpkin in my morning smoothie was only a matter of time.

Pumpkin is fairly dense in smoothies and can sometimes create a semi-gelatenous texture - not something I'm a personal fan of - so to combat this I've added more liquid than I normally would in other smoothies. Though this is personal preference.

To make this morning mixture even more nutritionally satisfying I've added some goodies like ground chia seeds, hemp hearts, and flax seeds. If you don't have these don't worry about it. They don't alter the flavour but they do add a recommended boost and can assist in keeping you feel full longer.

Keeping reading for the recipe!

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
makes: 1 large smoothie or 2 small

1/2 banana
1/3 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup almond milk (or any other milk of your choice)
2 Tbsp plain greek yogurt
2 Tbsp almond butter
1-2 tsp maple syrup (to your taste preferences)
1/2 - 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp ground chia seeds
1 tsp hemp hearts
1 tsp ground flax seeds

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix until fully blended
2. Enjoy!