It’s still well over 100 degrees here in the desert, but my soul knows it’s autumn somewhere. That’s probably why I’ve been craving the flavors of fall, from hot apple cider to the warm spice of pumpkin-flavored goodies, even though my environment is more suited for popsicles and watermelon.
So this morning I grabbed my last can of pumpkin puree from the pantry and got to work.
Unfortunately, pumpkin pie is not on my detox plan. Crazy, I know. But why should that stop me from enjoying the rich flavors of pumpkin pie while consuming something that’s also good for me? Here’s what I came up with:
Pumpkin oats (1 serving)
1. Bring 3/4 cup water to a rolling boil.
2. Add 1/4 cup steel-cut oats. (Not instant oatmeal). I use the cheap container from Trader Joe’s. Turn the heat to low and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in 1/4 cup pumpkin puree, 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice and a splash of vanilla extract. Simmer for about two more minutes.
4. Let the oats stand for one minute before serving.
5. Top with oatmeal condiments of choice. I topped my bowl with a few chopped hazelnuts and a teaspoon of maple syrup. You could also try fresh blueberries, dried cranberries, honey, brown sugar, soy milk, crumbled graham crackers … whatever your dear little heart desires.
Keep in mind that these measurements are totally flexible. Want more vanilla? Pump it up, man! Hate pumpkin pie spice and want your cinnamon to go solo? Swap it out! Pumpkin oats are forgiving, and pumpkin oats do not judge. Just do whatever it takes to make it taste good for you.
I didn’t take a photo, because my oatmeal looked like cat food. Instead, here’s a photo I took at a pumpkin patch a couple years ago.
Who needs pumpkin pie when you could have oats, right?
OK, maybe you still need pie.
But these oats are good too — and they’re good for you.
Of course, you already know that oatmeal is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s loaded with soluble fiber, it’s low in fat and calories and it’s thick with cancer-fighting nutrients. But combine all that with pumpkin — packed with vitamins A, C and tons of good-for-you minerals — and you’ve got yourself the breakfast version of Wonder Twins.
