I think I have a problem with Pumpkin.  I love it- need to have it- and am kinda obsessed with it!  I love the smell of pumpkin and I love the taste of pumpkin.  I'll pretty much buy anything with "pumpkin" on the label.  I have pumpkin candles, pumpkin face scrub, pumpkin body lotion, pumpkin hand soap, pumpkin tea- you name it, I probably own it!  ...AND we haven't even touched on pumpkin baking yet!

As soon as fall hits it seems that I start to instantly crave all things pumpkin!  I love it when my kitchen fills with the sweet aroma of pumpkin desserts baking in the oven!

Check out my recipe for Pumpkin Donuts here:

http://cleanlifehappywife.com/2013/12/25/clean-pumpkin-donuts-with-maple-pecan-frosting/

and

Pumpkin Bread here:

http://cleanlifehappywife.com/2013/10/11/clean-pumpkin-bread/

Pumpkin not only tastes delicious and smells heavenly; but did you know that pumpkin is also really healthy for you!

Pumpkins are actually an extremely nutritious food full of beauty vitamins and minerals yet low on calories.

Consuming one cup cooked, canned pumpkin provides you with well over 100% of your daily need for vitamin A, 20% of the daily vitamin C, 10% or more vitamin E, potassium, B-6, folate, iron, magnesium and phosphorus!  Move over Flintstone vitamins!

Pumpkin is also one of the best known sources of beta-carotene- a powerful antioxidant.  Consuming foods rich in beta -carotene may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer and heart disease.  Pumpkin is also known to have anti ageing properties that may aid in delaying aging and body degeneration.

And- the best part; it just tastes soooooo AMAZING!!!

This Pumpkin Apple Butter recipe is one of my favourites and is so great as a spread on desserts or bread!  It really hits the spot on those cool fall mornings!

Pumpkin Apple Butter

Ingredients:

1 Can Pure Pumpkin Puree

2 Cups apple juice

1 Cup apple sauce

1 Cup water

2 Tsp cinnamon

1/4 Tsp cloves

1/4 Tsp nutmeg

1 Tsp vanilla

6 Dates

Directions:

Combine all ingredients together in a blender or food processor.  Blend on high until the mixture is smooth.  Pour the mixture into a large saucepan.  Heat on stove top over med-high heat until mixture comes to a boil.  Stir constantly.  Reduce heat to low and simmer on low for 1 hour.  Stir occasionally.  Store in mason jars in the fridge and enjoy!

Who says you can't enjoy a treat when you are eating clean?!  One of my favourite ways to enjoy this is by dipping apple slices in it!  You can even warm it up if you want a warm dip!

I hope you love this recipe as much as I do!!

XO, Pam

www.cleanlifehappywife.com

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