Since my blog is titled “Running on Pumpkin”, I figured it was about time to start posting some more pumpkin eats. I went on a pumpkin craze for a while and had it almost every morning in my overnight oats, but then I ran out and didn’t get it at the store for a few weeks. I really have no clue why, since pumpkin is one of the greatest gifts to mankind. That’s a mild exaggeration, but you get the picture.

Well, last time I hit up the grocery store I got myself a huuuuge can of pumpkin. Score. I think this week I am going to make a big batch of either pumpkin muffins, cupcakes, cookies, or bread. I want to try out something new….any suggestions? What are your favorite pumpkin recipes? 

I cracked open my can of pumpkin today to make a little snack. I absolutely looove mixing pumpkin with yogurt. It makes any plain old yogurt taste so decadent and like a dessert, but it is actually really healthy! I also picked up a big of gingersnap cookies on my last grocery trip, which I honestly only eat when paired with something else (ice cream, yogurt, peanut butter….). Well today my gingersnaps made a guest appearance alongside the pumpkin!

I’ve been trying to eat less dairy lately, as I’m slightly lactose intolerant. It just upsets my stomach when I eat too much dairy, which is why I switched over to almond/coconut milk. I still love greek yogurt and refuse to give it up, as well as any type of cheese. I refuse to live in a world without cheese. Sorry bout it tummy.

Well this week instead of my usual individual Fage 2% greek yogurt with honey that I use as an on-the-go snack, I bought a bunch of Almond Dream yogurts, a non dairy yogurt made with almonds (like almond milk). I got a few vanillas and a few plains. Today I whipped out one of the vanilla ones and put it in a bowl. Then I added a large spoonful (probably 1/3-1/2 cup) of pumpkin, 4 broken up gingersnaps, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It was so good. I literally licked the bowl clean, and contemplated making a second one, and then I did

Sadly I took a picture with my iPhone, plugged it into my computer, and then when I thought it uploaded, deleted it from my phone. It did not upload. So no picture. But it was SO delicious, it tasted like a pumpkin gingersnap pie. Perfect portion for one snack or dessert and just enough sweetness. You can use any kind of yogurt…but the vanilla flavor was really good in it. Note: If you use a plain non-sweet yogurt, add some sort of sweetener to it because or else it will taste like baby food. 

I also think this snack/dessert would be good with sliced bananas, chocolate chips, nut butter…the possibilities are endless. I also really recommend the Almond Dream yogurt. I liked the texture and flavor, so if you don’t eat dairy, give this stuff a try.

I ate this snack after a five-mile run, so that could explain why I just had to have two bowls of it. Oh, and because it was so damn good. I think I will make this again tomorrow for a snack and have it be a layer in a yogurt parfait… hmmm now I’m hungry again. Time to go make some dinner. On the menu tonight: Quinoa! And whatever I can find to mix into it. I made a big batch of quinoa this morning and am going to use it all week for lunches/dinners.

Any big plans for the week? I have a midterm for one of my summer school classes. Eeeek. Then my two friends are visiting on Friday! Gotta power through.