Thursday, October 6, 2016

Pumpkin, Pumpkin Everywhere!

I drove by a pumpkin patch yesterday, and thought "It's that time of year".  I need to get my pumpkins to put by the front door.  They are not only for decoration but also can be used in some of your favorite foods.   Pumpkin is being put in everything during this time of year... coffee, donuts, soup, and even ravioli.

Image result for pumpkin images
Did you know that pumpkin is good for you?  Pumpkin is a nutrient dense food filled with vitamins and minerals but low in calories.  It is high in fiber so will keep you full longer.  Pumpkin contains beta-carotene which the body converts to vitamin A and essential for eye health.  The vitamin A also helps the body fight infections and recover from the common cold faster.  The beta-carotene in the pumpkin is also good to help the skin look younger.  The pulp can even be used in a facial-mask.


Here is a recipe for pumpkin bread with a little added protein from greek yogurt.  Let us know what you think!


Greek Yogurt Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
Pumpkin
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter (or softened coconut oil)
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups pumpkin
1/3 cup plain greek yogurt
1 tsp vanilla

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, stirring with a whisk.
  3. Place sugar and butter in a large bowl, and mix until well blended
  4. Add the eggs, pumpkin, yogurt and vanilla.
  5. Add flour mixture; mix until blended.
  6. Spoon batter into two loaf pans coated with cooking spray.
  7. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Try adding 1/3 cup of chocolate chips.