OMG!!

  Oh mylanta, I almost forgot!!

I am loving this fall here in Lincoln, Nebraska and while you're blasting the heat in your apartment (I know I am), and if you suddenly become overheated or just craving something cold and delicious AND incorporates the infamous fall flavor of pumpkin... This Pumpkin Smoothie recipe is definitely something worth looking into making. 

   Homemade pumpkin puree is almost better to use because it has not been processed and there is zero chance of it already being sweetened or have other things in that can possible ruin the taste of the smoothie!! :)

    If you do not know HOW to make homemade puree... There is a simple recipe underneath the smoothie recipe in case you were curious!! :) ENJOY!!

You will need:

• 1 (16 ounce) can pumpkin puree or homemade pumpkin puree (almost better)
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

And with this ingredients you will:

Place your homemade pumpkin puree in the freezer for at least 24 hours to help freeze it... You want a SMOOTHIE, remember, not juice. Then take the Ziploc bag of puree out and throw it into the microwave for 1-2 minutes to just soften it up so it will blend well. Throw your milk into the blender and add your brown sugar and pumpkin and blend until its smooth. Then throw it into your favorite cup and sip for great pumpkin taste on your palette. Pure pumpkin bliss, its that simple! :)

PERFECT PUMPKIN PUREE RECIPE...

   Contrary to some beliefs, pumpkin puree is NOT made from the guts you pull out while carving a pumpkin during Halloween... Its made from the actual flesh. Also if you can not find a pie pumpkin (the smaller pumpkins they sell this time of year), you can also use a butternut squash with just about the same end result. I like to be traditional, however, so I try to find a pie pumpkin :) Keep in mind, the smaller the pumpkin, the better flavor but a 5lb pumpkin will suffice and yield about 4 1/2 cups of puree, while a can has about 2 cups. So, basically you can make TWO for the price of one. Hehe.

  Alright... There are two ways to make this satisfyingly delicious (and nutritious) puree... Steam or boil, and I am happy to provide you with both ways.

First, to steam:

Halve the pumpkin, remove the seeds and the stringy guys of the pumpkin. Cut into small pieces and peel each piece. You will not being using the dark orange skin at all. Place in a steamer or a colander, or strainer, that will fit into a covered pot. Either will work. Place over boiling water, cover and let steam about about 50 minutes or until tender. Mash, puree in a blender or food processor, or put it through a food mill... Use in any recipe calling for pumpkin puree... Ahem, see "PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE" above :)

And, to boil, which is a little faster process:

Same as above, halve the pumpkin, remove seeds and the guts... cut into small pieces and peel, once again... Add to lightly salted water, boil for about 25 minutes or until tender.

There you have it... Pumpkin puree AND a recipe you can use it in. You will have a busy afternoon on your hands, but all worth the reward! :)