Ain't no season, like Pumpkin Season

Dear Pumpkin,

You are one of my favorite flavors. You are the reason why we look forward to fall each year. YOU are the reason Starbucks has lines out the wazoo from September thru November. That being said, I love all things pumpkin. & even better - pumpkin is a vegetable so it earns a prized spot in my attempted healthy eating plan I'm going to try to stick to between now and my wedding in October. (This plan also involves daily iced coffees, & the occasional cookie. Obviously, it's a little customized - but I'm trying here people!)

I like to have breakfast ready for busy work mornings when time is of the essence & these two recipes I'm about to share are great for anyone on the go. (or even as just a healthy snack!)

PUMPKIN SPICE OATMEAL BARS

Ingredients:

2.5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant or quick oats)

1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup pure pumpkin

1/2 cup almond milk (regular or soy milk would be fine)

1 flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed & 3 tablespoons water. mix, let sit 10 min, add)

1/4 cup honey

handful of nuts, chocolate chips, etc.

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

Spray 8 x 8 pan with non-stick cooking spray. or line with parchment paper. Set aside.

Mix together oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Add in the vanilla, pumpkin, milk, egg, and molasses. Mix together until evenly combined.

Stud with nuts or chocolate chips (I used white chocolate)

Pour the mixture into the pan and bake for 20 minutes. Allow to cool then cut and serve!

PUMPKIN ALMOND BUTTER "TRUFFLES"
Ingredients:
1 cup creamy almond butter
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 honey
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350F, and line a baking sheet with foil.
Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl, and mix until a thick batter is formed.
Make cookie like globs of dough and bake for roughly 15 minutes.
Remove from oven & let cool for 10 minutes.
After cooling, take the dough and put back into the bowl you mixed it in and start shaping into truffle like balls. After making the balls, put them in the fridge to set up for as long as desired & enjoy!

^^The top photo is of my pumpkin spice oatmeal bars, the bottom is of my pumpkin almond butter truffles.^^