Pumpkin Spice Oat Muffins (vegan & GF)

Autumn is right around the corner which means…pumpkin season is here! These pumpkin spice muffins are a delicious way to kick off the autumn season. This recipe is full of clean, simple ingredients. Enjoy!

Preparation + Cook Time: 45 minutes

Makes 12 muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 15 oz can of pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup of maple syrup
• 1/2 cup of cashew butter
• 2 Tbsp of coconut oil
• 1.5 cups of oat flour (buy gluten free oat flour for gluten free option)
• 1 Tbsp of chia seeds
• 2 tsp of cinnamon
• 1 tsp of nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp of baking soda
• 1 tsp of baking powder
• pumpkin seeds for topping

Instructions:

1. Set the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, mix together all of the wet ingredients first: pumpkin, maple syrup, cashew butter, and coconut oil.
3. Then, mix in the dry ingredients: oat flour, chia seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and baking powder.
4. Fill your muffin tray with cupcake liners.
5. Evenly fill all 12 cupcake liners with batter.
6. Top each muffin with pumpkin seeds (or whatever topping you prefer!)
7. Bake in the oven for 30-32 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and cool for 10-15 minutes before eating.

Benefits of this recipe:

-Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, full of powerful antioxidants, is high in fiber which helps in digestion, improves eye health, and boosts muscle function.

-Oats help improve blood sugar, can help lower cholesterol, lowers the risk of colon cancer, and provides antioxidants.

-Chia seeds are high in fiber, high in omega-3, high in quality protein, may reduce blood sugar levels, and may reduce chronic inflammation.

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.healthline.com and http://www.draxe.com

Pumpkin Hummus

Are you having trouble finding the perfect appetizer to bring to your thanksgiving potluck? This pumpkin hummus is festive, wholesome, and delicious. Enjoy this tasty dip with some chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Preparation + Cook time=  10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chickpeas, drained
• 1 Tbsp of tahini
• 1 Tbsp of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of pureed pumpkin (from a can is fine!)
• 1 Tbsp of honey or maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp of fresh chopped sage
• 1 tsp of dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp of paprika
• 1/4 tsp of minced garlic
• juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: pumpkin seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Put all of the ingredients except for the pumpkin seeds in a food processor or high speed blender and pulse until smooth.
2. Store the hummus in an air-sealed container in the refrigerator.
3. When you are ready to serve, scoop the hummus into a bowl. Top with pumpkin seeds and a dash of paprika. Enjoy!

Benefits of this recipe:

-Pumpkin helps maintain healthy eyes, improves immunity, and is good for your complexion.

-Chickpeas help control blood sugar levels, improves digestion because of high fiber content, helps protect against heart disease, is a good source of protein, and contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals such as zinc, folate, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

The benefits of these ingredients were researched from http://www.draxe.com