Pumpkin Season is here! Let’s cook, bake, and snack all things pumpkin

Who doesn’t love all-things pumpkin?! This delicious and vibrant giant squash is synonymous with fall, and if you’ve been to any coffee shop, grocery store, or restaurant lately, you know exactly what I mean. Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin carving kits, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin cheesecake, even pumpkin beer...I’m not sure how one flavor can take all these already tasty things and make them even better, but pumpkin delivers on this every single year.

 

It’s hard to think of a time before the pumpkin craze, but do you know that the popularity only started to grow within the last 20 years? And now, the roll-out of these pumpkin products has become the unofficial start of fall. 

So yes, pumpkin is officially here but what happens when it’s suddenly over and you are still craving a little spice in your life? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered! Here are a few recipes to keep your pumpkin cravings at bay and give you some extra collagen benefits along the way and throughout the year.

Tasty Drinks

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Skip the coffee shop drive-thru and make your very own pumpkin spice latte! This recipe is a healthier version that also offers the benefits of collagen peptides. 

Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte 

And if coffee isn’t really your thing, no worries because this pumpkin spice chai latte is just as delicious. This latte combines the flavors of two fall faves – pumpkin spice & chai. 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice
• 2 Tablespoons Great Lakes Chai Collagen
• ¼ cup hot water
• ¾ cup nut/seed milk

DIRECTIONS

• Place coconut oil, Great Lakes Chai Collagen, pumpkin spice, hot water & nut milk in a blender for 20 seconds.
• Dump contents from the blender into a pot over the stove until you see small bubbles form.
• Pour everything back onto the blender for 1 minute on low to get things extra frothy (can omit this steep if you’re running low on time).
• Pour into your favorite fall mug and enjoy!!

Delicious Snacks

Let’s take our love for all things pumpkin a step further. When a PSL isn’t quite enough to satisfy your pumpkin cravings, try incorporating pumpkin into healthy and delicious snacks that the whole family will enjoy - or just keep it all for yourself; no judgment here. Whether you want to make a quick and easy snack in the morning or throughout the day, these recipes will have you and your tummy jumping for joy! 

Pumpkin Energy Bites

We love to eat these Pumpkin Energy Bites in the AM before a workout or even after dinner as a sweet snack before bed. No matter which time of day you choose to eat these bites, you will see why we love them.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup softened dates
• 1/4 cup Great Lakes Collagen Hydrolysate
• 1 cup nuts of your choosing
• 1/4 cup nut butter
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup oats

DIRECTIONS

• Blend all the ingredients together in a food processor.
• Your “dough” will be very sticky, that’s okay.
• Add oats until you get your desired consistency to form into a ball (1 cup).
• Use a cookie scooper to make bite-sized balls and freeze.

Chai Pumpkin Fox Fudge 

If the cuteness of these treats doesn’t win you over, the taste most certainly will! These delicious and adorable fudge foxes are the perfect bite-sized pumpkin treats to enjoy throughout the day or share with your neighbors or friends. These will also be the hit of any parties or get-togethers you attend!

Pumpkin seeds

One of the best fall activities is pumpkin carving! This is an activity that never goes out of style for children, teens, and even adults. So let’s talk about the pumpkin “guts.” Please do not simply throw them away after you have carved the top off of your pumpkin; instead, clean the skin away and throw the seeds onto a baking sheet, sprinkle some salt, and throw it into the oven. I usually do 400 degrees for about 10 minutes, and they are perfect. Pumpkin seeds have an impressive nutrient profile and are one of the best snacks to enjoy year-round!

Bakin’ with Pumpkin!

The great thing about baked goods is how diverse they can be. You want breakfast? Boom, have some baked goods. Looking for a semi-sweet treat to satisfy your sweet tooth? How about some baked goods! And if we’ve learned one thing from the last 20 years, just add a pumpkin twist to any already fantastic recipe, and you are ready...plus, think of how amazing your house is going to smell!

Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Bread is a timeless classic that is easy to make and hits the spot every time. If you want to make a slightly healthier version, try this recipe that uses our Pork Gelatin to bring you soft, moist, and delicious pumpkin bread that all can enjoy!

Pumpkin Coconut Tart

Did we purposely save the best for last? We will let you be the judge of that. This Pumpkin Coconut Tart is gluten and dairy-free and puts a unique twist on an old favorite. The best part? This tasty dessert is suitable for all your diet-conscious guests. Pairing a perfectly seasoned pumpkin filling with the delicate sweetness of coconut, this lovely tart will surprise your taste buds in the best way.

There ya have it, the best and most delicious recipes that combine Great Lakes Wellness products with the delightful taste of pumpkin. We hope that you use these recipes throughout the year so you can enjoy the taste of pumpkin anytime you want. May your fall - and all other seasons- be filled with all things pumpkin!