PUMPKIN PIE GREEN PROTEIN SMOOTHIE

For when you need something lighter and packed with nutrition during the time of plenty, I recommend a glass of this verdant brew. A variation on the Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Bowl (see page 40), you could even serve this to kids (or adults, for the young at heart) on Halloween morning and call it “slime” or “witches brew,” if you fancy. As with most smoothies, substitutions are fine—smoothies are not an exact science. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t recommend using kale in lieu of spinach as it’s far too loud; spinach is quiet, allowing the pumpkin pie–esque flavors to come forward.

For a thicker smoothie, add additional ice; for a thinner smoothie, add additional milk or water.

Serves 1

⅓ cup milk of choice or water, plus more to thin, chilled

⅓ cup pumpkin purée, chilled

⅓ cup plain yogurt

1 tablespoon maple syrup

½ teaspoon pumpkin spice (see page 247)

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup packed spinach

½ banana, peeled, cut into pieces, and frozen (fresh also works but makes a thinner smoothie)

1–2 tablespoons boosters (protein powder, flaxseed oil, peanut butter, pumpkin seeds, etc.) (optional)

2 ice cubes

Add all smoothie ingredients to a blender in the order listed. Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Thin with additional milk or water, if desired. Serve immediately.