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.