Caramel Pumpkin Pie Smoothie (Ketose liquid all-natural Sweetener Product Review!)

I've been crazy over smoothies for years. 

And this time of year is perfect for using pumpkin to whip up something up in the blender!  This treat is great for breakfast, lunch or even a bedtime snack!

I was sent a bottle of this lovely Ketose liquid sweetener to create a recipe and this is where I 'landed'. 

This is a very tasty all-natural sweetener, but is somewhat sweeter than the honey we use in our evening tea. To me, it doesn't have an aftertaste at all and certainly sweetens things up nicely. 

From their label: KetoseSweet+ contains allulose - a rare natural sugar found in maple syrup, figs and raisins. It is a safe, low-calorie, low-glycemic sweetener...with just 5% of the calories of regular sugar...it doesn't affect blood sugar levels. 

It has NO Alcohol Sugars and is a Clean Sweetener.

And direct from their website: KetoseSweet+™ combines allulose, highly purified Reb A and monk fruit extract to deliver an all natural sweetening solution for a variety of applications. Superb browning makes it ideal for Bakery Applications. Superior flavor contributes low calorie sweetness to a variety of foods. Sweeter than sugar, KetoseSweet+ adds just .4 calories per gram.

I have to ask....WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE???  

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I used this to sweeten our butternut squash for dinner and it tasted wonderful! 
Just be cautious when using as it is pretty sweet....

I have not used Splenda in years.  I find it causes a lot of intestinal upset. And it isn't natural!  Normally I use xylitol for sweetener when baking, since hubby is diabetic, and I am borderline.  I have already fallen in love with this wonderful product!!!! 

I mixed up this 'healthy' smoothie, but as always, I love all the options you can have when whipping up smoothies in the blender. 

I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but you could use 2% or even canned coconut milk if you prefer. 

I also used vanilla Greek yogurt, but if you find the seasonal Pumpkin Pie yogurt or even Caramel, go for it!  I'm sure those ingredients would only make the recipe 'pop'.  (And you could add less sweetener because they do have sugar in them). 

I used a half teaspoon of vanilla extract, and half a teaspoon of caramel extract.  You can certainly adjust those to your liking also...using all of one or the other. 

I love quick and easy...you can be sipping this one down within minutes of deciding to make it!  You sure can't go wrong with that.  Even sip it on your way to work or school if need be!

This makes one large, serving or 2 smaller ones.  It is very filling and I've enjoyed it a few times already since creating it.  Recipe can be easily cut in half or doubled if desired. 

You'll feel pampered as this is an indulgent treat! 

And if you're interested, go to this website...KetoSweet+...and ask for a free sample!  You'll be hooked in no time at all. 

CARAMEL PUMPKIN PIE SMOOTHIE

2/3 c. milk 

(almond or coconut, your choice)

1/4 c. pumpkin puree

1/4 c. unsweetened (Greek)(or vanilla, caramel or pumpkin) yogurt

 1 banana, sliced and frozen

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. caramel extract

(or a full teaspoon of either kind) 

2 - 3 tsp. Ketose Sweet liquid, adjusting to taste

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie seasoning (or cinnamon if you prefer)

(click here for a recipe to make your own p.p.s.)

4 or 5 ice cubes

whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice for garnishing

Combine milk, pumpkin, yogurt, banana, extract, sweetener, and pumpkin pie seasoning in blender.  Whir for about 30 seconds.  Add ice cubes and whir another 30 seconds.  (Add more liquid now if you prefer). Pour into a tall glass or divide into 2 servings.  Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with seasoning. 

​

Easy Pumpkin Mousse Dip ("Lighter Choice")

Here's a quick and delicious dip that can be ready in minutes. 

A great idea to whip up at last minute to take to a party to share! 

And it can be made lighter using sugar free instant pudding and fat free whipped topping if desired.  YUMMM OH YUMMM!

(Just so you don't feel so guilty eating all those cookies with it!) 

And did I mention it only has FOUR simple ingredients!!?? 

My much-younger-than-me Florida friend Wendi shared this with me and it's in my last cookbook...FORK FAVORITES.   

(I'll never forget when Wendi and I saw another dip recipe in another cookbook...it was titled PUMPKIN MOOSE DIP!  We both get so tickled over things like that and do a lot of laughing together!! It's NOT an animal!
It was misspelled.) 

(hover over photo to pin)

PUMPKIN MOUSSE DIP 

1 can (15 ozs.) pumpkin puree

(Not pumpkin pie mix)

1 sm. box (4-serv. size) instant (sugar free)

cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon)

click on link below to get recipes for...

Homemade Pumpkin Pie and Apple Pie Spice Mixes

1 tub (8 ozs.) (lite or fat free) Cool Whip, slightly thawed 

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin and dry pudding mix (a whisk would work great). When smooth, add spices, then fold in Cool Whip.  Serve with gingersnaps, graham cracker sticks or even apple slices for a light snack.  (I served it with Biscoff cookies that are amazing for this dip!

And I was tickled to find windmill cookies at my local Dollar General store)

You may also enjoy...

Simple Caramel Toffee Spread

​

Flashback Friday - Bammin' Banana Recipes to Tickle Your Taste Buds

OH.MY.DELICIOUS! Irresistible too.  A family favorite! 

Banana Pudding Supreme (Low Sugar Option)

A perfect flavor combo. Simple and amazingly tasty! Enjoy it for dessert. 

Skinny Raspberry/Banana Shake

My most favorite banana bread recipe! Oh so popular in my corner of the world.  Moist and perfect with coffee or milk.

This bread freezes great and can be made ahead several weeks. 

Sour Cream Banana Bread

A simple treat that tastes like you've worked hard to make it...but you haven't.

YUMMMM! 

Banana Cupcakes with White Ganache

Flashback Friday - No Bake Summertime Sweets

WELCOME TO FLASHBACK FRIDAY!

Even though it's hot outside, you can still enjoy some scrumptious desserts!

You're welcome! *-*

Creamy - Dreamy - Use your favorite berry for this awesome dessert....

No Bake Blackberry Cream Pie

A classic for sure - and always a winner! 
Make them in minutes! 

No Bake Scotcheroos

So fun and easy. We love it! TWO ingredients! 

5-Minute Raspberry Fool

Granddaughter Kaity (10 yrs. old) recently made this when she visited us for a 
few days - simple, light and so refreshing.  Use your favorite flavor. 
Kaity made cherry.  MMM! 

Refreshing 'n' Light Key Lime Pie

Dreamsicle Salad (Sugar Free Options) Updated!

This is the most pinned recipe at my blog!  And it's a real winner! I thought it was time I updated the photo as it's a very old post....do hope you'll give it a stir, and a taste, soon! 

This is an easy and delightful dish that is light and can be served as a salad or a dessert.

It only calls for 4 ingredients!

And it can be whipped up in just minutes.  Ya gotta love that about any recipe! 

It tastes like the frozen treat made with vanilla ice cream and orange sherbet.

(A Creamsicle)

MMMMM!

DREAMSICLE SALAD

1 sm. box (4 serv. size/.3 oz pkg)* sugar-free orange jello

1 sm. box (4 serv. size/1 oz pkg)* sugar free instant vanilla pudding

1 - 10 ozs. can mandarin oranges, drained

1 - 8 ozs. tub fat free frozen whipped topping, thawed

Dissolve jello in 1 c. boiling water. Add 1/4 c. cold water (or 1/2 c. for softer set); let set in fridge for 

20 - 30 minutes.  With mixer or whisk, add dry vanilla pudding mix to jello and beat until

smooth. Fold in oranges and whipped topping (by hand). Refrigerate.

Try strawberry jello with strawberries, peach jello with (no sugar added) peaches, etc.

Dreamy!  Weight Watchers points per cup - 1 (Prior to Points Plus)

1 serving = 1/2 cup 

*these sizes refer to brand-name sugar-free packaging in the small box.  Other brands or sugar-full packages may contain a different oz. by weight or volume, but for this recipe, I use the small box in any case.

Linked to Ingredient Spotlight
          Fit & Fabulous Friday
Full Plate Thursday
Weekend Potluck

Lightly Candied Pecans

I'm usually trying to 'lighten' up a recipe, so when I see one already lightened, 

I HAVE to try it!

I do so enjoy candied pecans, but don't like all the sugar that normally comes with it.

And I LOVE that this is quick!

I found the recipe at Weekend Potluck when our faithful friend shared at

Mirlandra's Kitchen. 

Nuts are a healthy snack any time of day so do hope you'll give this simple
recipe a try.  You'll want to be sure to keep the recipe handy. 

I love that the recipe only takes minutes because it's cooked in a skillet on the stovetop...just melt butter and add brown sugar...and it's fast. 

Mirlandra created this recipe so you can click on the link below to go to the recipe for ingredient measurements and simple instructions.

You're welcome!!

LIGHTLY CANDIED PECANS

​

Skinny Meatloaf 'Cupcakes'

I have always had a special love for meatloaf.

It was the first meal my hubby asked his mom to make for him when he returned home from Vietnam. (I knew he was the one for me right then too!=) 

I'm also wild about single servings, so when I saw these

adorable and delicious 'cupcakes' at Skinny Kitchen, 

well...we ate them soon after and really enjoyed the idea of having the

mashed taters on top. 

DE-LISH!!! Very filling and satisfying too. 

They're easy and can even be (mostly) made ahead. 

SKINNY MEATLOAF CUPCAKES

1 # extra lean ground beef or turkey

1 slice whole wheat bread

1 c. onions, diced

2 egg whites

3 Tb. ketchup

2 Tb. Worcestershire sauce 

1 Tb. spicy brown or yellow mustard

1/4 tsp. salt

fresh ground pepper, to taste

Topping:

1/4 c. ketchup

1 Tb. mustard

2 tsp. brown sugar

Taters:

3 c. (1#) baking taters, peeled and cubed

1/3 c. (reduced sodium) chicken broth

1 Tb. reduced-fat butter or Smart Balance Light

1/8 tsp. salt

fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 350. Using non-stick cooking spray, coat a 12-cup muffin tin; set aside. 

Remove crust from bread; add to blender or food process. Process until crumbs.

In large bowl, add ground beef, bread crumbs, onions, egg whites, ketchup,

mustard, worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Mix together well, using your hands if necessary. 

Measuring about 1/3 c. of mixture, fill 9 muffin cups. In small bowl, mix topping ingredients.  Spread about 1 Tb. over each meatloaf.  Bake for 40 minutes. 

While baking, make the mashed potatoes.  In a medium saucepan, cover potatoes with water; bring to boil; simmer until fork tender. Drain well; mash with fork, adding butter, broth, salt & pepper. Mash until smooth, keeping warm over burner. 

Remove meatloaves from pan; place on paper towel to drain.  Top each with 2 rounded Tb. of mashed potatoes. Serve. 

Yield: 9 'cupcakes' 

From Skinny Kitchen's website:

Weight Watchers (old points) 3

Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS 4

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 meatloaf cupcake 154 calories, 3g fat, 0mg chol, 13g prot, 17g carbs, 2g fiber

FAT FACTS: the skinny and fat facts are the same for this recipe

Linked to Weekend Potluck

Cheesey Mini Meatloaves (Make Ahead)

Easy Taco Pie

Easy Crockpot Meatballs

Southern Style Chocolate Gravy

Well Y'all...

If you're a Southerner, you're probably very familiar with this recipe.

But if you're a Northerner like me, it was definitely something new. 

It's very delicious...no doubt about it.  I served it for a family holiday gathering and it was well loved...and was quite the conversation piece too! 

And I saved this one to share with you for Valentine's Day....
CHOCOLATE=LOVE 

I reduced some calories by using mostly xylitol instead of sugar, and using 1% milk. It would be the richest by using 2% or full fat milk. 

To me, it was just like chocolate pudding over the biscuits. We used Grands Biscuits from a can..wonderful!  But you can most certainly make your own...you could even enjoy this scrumptious gravy over these Killer 7-Up Biscuits, Copycat Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Biscuits or use your own homemade biscuit recipe. 

Oh trust me, I would NEVER complain about such a combination because it really was marvelous.  One of my most favorite 'comfort' foods is warm cooked chocolate pudding, so this was right up my taste bud alley!!!

After reviewing similar recipes online, I made a few revisions and we loved it! 

In fact....IT.WAS.GREAT! 

Do hope y'all will try it soon. 

(I have a number of Southern friends and have picked up saying y'all from them over the years...how I love 'em! =) 

SOUTHERN STYLE CHOCOLATE GRAVY 

3 Tb. butter

1/3 c. baking cocoa

3 Tb. all purpose flour

3/4 c. white sugar

(may use 1/2 c. xylitol and 1/4 c. sugar if desired)

2 c. milk, divided

2 tsp. vanilla extract 

Melt butter in a large skillet over low heat. Mix in cocoa, flour and sugar. (Using a whisk works best). Slowly pour 1 cup of milk into the skillet and whisk well to remove lumps. Whisk in remaining milk, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick, being careful not to scorch. Stir in vanilla until smooth. Serve hot over biscuits.

Linked to Weekend Potluck
             Meal Plan Monday


You might also enjoy...


Microwave Chocolate Pudding

Crockpot Hot Fudge (Peanut Butter) Cake

German Chocolate Zucchini Bread (Lighter Option)

Extreme Brownies Supreme (Lighter Option)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies (2 ingredients)

​

'Skinny' Magic Bars {WW Points}

FYI: We are on the road headed South to warmer temps for a few weeks...God graciously laid this opportunity in our laps just a couple of weeks ago.  I will be slowing down some...be on the lookout for some great guest posts while I'm away...and for new recipe posts on Sundays and Tuesdays.  I won't be online as much, so just wanted you to be aware.  Maybe I'll even share a photo or three of our fun in the sun. *-* As always - thanks for your support and interest in TBB blog. 

If you want to splurge, but stop from going overboard....
These luscious bars would be perfect for the upcoming Valentine's Day celebration.  They are fantastic and sweet, but the reduced-calorie version. 

It seems I am always trying one more recipe from Nancy's Skinny Kitchen. Must be because they are ALWAYS a winner right?

With so many sweets over the holidays, I was tickled to find this 'reduced sugar/fat' recipe for those amazing layered bars...called Magic Bars, and sometimes called Hello Dollies. 

We lived a very frugal life when I was growing up, so when mom made rarely made these, it was SUCH a special treat.  I've had a fondness for them for years. 

They were very easy to put together because you just layer everything, there's no mixing.  Using fat free sweetened condensed milk 

(click here for my very low sugar homemade sweetened condensed milk)

reduced fat butter, and less chocolate, coconut and nuts...you can enjoy these and count 4 Weight Watchers Points per serving also. 

I always appreciate the fact that Nancy allows me to share the nutritional info from her wonderful website too.  Trust you'll pay her a visit and stay a while. 

Just look how she reduced the calories...from 356 to 133!  These special treats really ARE Magic! 

Weight Watchers (old points) 3

Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS 4

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 bar 133 cal, 5.7g fat, 3g protein, 19g carbs, 1g fiber, 61mg sodium, 16g sugar

FAT FACTS: for 1 bar made with full fat ingredients 356 cal, 22g fat, 6g protein, 38g carbs, 2g fiber, 163mg sodium, 31g sugar

SKINNY MAGIC BARS 

1/4 c. reduced fat butter

(like Smart Balance)

1-1/4 c. graham cracker crumbs

1/2 c. flaked coconut, sweetened

(I used unsweetened)

1 c. semi sweet chocolate chips

(click here for my homemade sugar free chocolate bars/chips)

1 (14 ozs) can fat free sweetened condensed milk
(click here for my homemade sweetened condensed milk)

1/2 c. chopped walnuts

(I used pecans)

Preheat oven to 350.  Spray 9" X 13" baking dish with nonstick cooking spray with flour, being sure to spray sides as well. Add butter to pan; place in oven to melt. (will take about a minute)

Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over butter, patting down, but do not mix. 

Sprinkle coconut evenly over cracker crumbs, then do the same with the chocolate chips. 

Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over all. (You can place can in a cup of warm water to make spreading easier). Top with nuts. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until golden brown. 

Cut into squares while still warm, otherwise, they'll be difficult to cut. 

Yield: 24 squares 

Linked to Weekend Potluck

You may also like to try....

Skinny Nutty Carrot Cake Bars

Skinny Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Glaze

Leader Enterprise - January 7, 2015 - Eating Right on a Budget

 Today at 1:55 PM

Happy 2015! I am so fond of the quote that says "Life is like a roll of toilet paper, the closer you get to the end,the faster it goes". Whoever came up with that one knew what they were talking about!

Three Bean Turkey Chili (Crockpot)

I decided this is a good time to share ideas to help you eat right when the budget is tight. Why does it seem that everything that's good for you costs more? While sometimes that is just fact, there are ways to help you eat healthy without breaking the bank. Start by establishing one new healthy habit, then one by one, add more. There are many creative ways to enjoy the foods we love while being good stewards of our food budget and our family's health. Enjoy choosing wisely! 

Detour the Snack Aisles: Take all the money you would spend on candy,chips and cookies,and spend it on fruits and vegetables instead. They are perfect for snacking, and loaded with fiber, so they'll fill you up faster than 'empty'calorie-laden snacks.

Eat more Beans: Beans are dirt cheap and a very healthy food. Loaded with nutrition, they're great for lowering both cholesterol and blood pressure. Did you know they also help keep your blood sugar steady thanks to a low glycemic index? Add beans to a salad for a protein boost. Make a big pot of bean soup,divide it into portions and freeze half of it. Using dried beans, you can prepare delicious meals for pennies.

Cut back on Meat Portions: Limit your meat intake by sharing a steak and filling the rest of your plate with vegetables and grains. Eat one pork chop instead of two. Stop'supersizing'.Stock up on whole chickens and turkeys when on sale. Freeze cooked portions for sandwiches, soups and casseroles. 

Enjoy More Whole-Grain Pasta: Yes,it 'seems'to cost more, but you can purchase the same amount of whole grain pasta vs. white pasta and in the long run, it will serve more people because it helps'fill you up'faster.

Eat More Oatmeal:Packed with soluble fiber and healthy carbohydrates,oatmeal has a number of key health benefits. From curbing appetite to reducing cholesterol, eating more oatmeal is a simple way to boost health.

Surrender Sweets: You don't have to totally give up sweets to tighten your budget and your waistline too. Just pace yourself and don't eat it every day. Serve a scoop of ice cream in a smaller bowl or mug. Or enjoy a (diet) soda with a little ice cream to make a float and your sweet tooth craving can be satisfied.

This is a wonderful filling chili. Look for low sodium ingredients.

CROCKPOT THREE BEAN TURKEY CHILI 

1/2 lb. ground turkey

1-28 ozs. can diced tomatoes, undrained

1-16 ozs. jar chunky salsa

1-15 ozs. can black beans,rinsed

1-15 ozs. can kidney beans,rinsed

1-15 ozs. can great northern beans,rinsed

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 pkg. (7 ozs) 2% milk shredded cheddar cheese

Cook turkey in large saucepan on medium-high heat 10 minutes or until no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Add to slow cooker with all remaining ingredients except cheese and crackers; stir. Cover with lid. Cook on high 2-3 hours(or low for 4-5 hours). Spoon into bowls; top with cheese.Serve with crackers. 

I'm wild about oatmeal, and this special tasty combo of flavors did not disappoint. It keeps in the fridge for several days. Make ahead and warm for a quick and healthy breakfast, or bedtime snack. Topping it with a nut butter helps boosts protein. 

Healthy Cookie Dough Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

HEALTHY COOKIE DOUGH PUMPKIN BAKED OATMEAL 

2 c. rolled oats 

1/2 tsp. salt, scant 

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice OR additional cinnamon

4 packets stevia or 1/3 c. pure maple syrup

1-1/3 c. pureed pumpkin 

2/3 c. milk of choice (cut back to 1/3 c. if using maple syrup)

2 Tb. oil or or more milk of choice 

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

optional 1/2 c.chocolate chips, plus more for the top if desired

Grease an 8" x 8" square pan. Set aside. Preheat oven to 380*F. In a large mixing bowl, stir together all dry ingredients, then add all remaining ingredients. Smooth evenly into the prepared pan, sprinkle chips on top if desired, and press down with a spoon. Bake 24 minutes, then let set in a closed oven 20 minutes with the heat turned off. Top with syrup, or nut or coconut butter.MMMM! 

SKINNY SKILLET LASAGNA 

1 lb. extra lean ground beef

1 Tb. fresh garlic, minced

1-1/2 c. mushrooms, sliced

1 c. onions, chopped

1 c. zucchini, chopped

(I used frozen from my freezer)

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes, optional

1/4 tsp. salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

6 whole wheat or whole grain lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces

23 - 26 ounces jarred pasta or marinara sauce

(I use Prego’s Heart Smart) 

2 c. water

3/4 c. fat-free cottage cheese

1/2 c. light mozarella cheese,shredded

Cook ground beef in a large nonstick skillet or pan over medium-high heat, breaking into pieces until almost cooked through, about 4 minutes. No need to drain meat if using extra lean beef.If not,drain meat and return to skillet. Stir in garlic, mushrooms, onions, zucchini, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat until vegetables are soft. Stir often. Sprinkle broken lasagna noodles into the skillet, then pour in pasta sauce and water over top.

Cover and cook, adjusting heat as necessary to maintain a vigorous simmer, until noodles are tender (about 20 minutes). Remove skillet from heat. Dot tablespoons of cottage cheese over noodles then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover and let skillet stand off heat until the cheeses melt (about 5 minutes) (or add cheese directly to sauce). Serves 8 (about 1 cup each).

I would love to have you stop by my blog. With over 1200 recipes there, many of them being 'healthy choices' ,you're sure to find something you'd like to try. www.thebetterbaker.blogspot.com. Using the search engine in the top left corner makes it easy to find what you're looking for. 

Here's to a happy healthy new year!