Doin' Some Cookin'... Chai Spice Smoothie

This Chai Spice Smoothie is deliciously spicy from a combination of spices and satisfies my craving for a Soy Chai Latte from Starbucks which is not diet compliant.

Smoothies are just so convenient because of how quick and easy they are to throw together and due to their portability. Health in a glass on the go.

Chai spices are known for their antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and support digestive health.

It doesn't matter that Chai spices are associated with the Fall because this is delicious all year long.

Chai Spice Smoothie

Adapted From: Sprout Living

Makes 1 Serving

Stars of the Show:

• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup coconut water
• 1/8 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground ginger
• 1/16 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/16 tsp ground cardamom
• sea salt, to taste
• 1 banana
• ice, to taste

And Action:

Pulse all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Enjoy!

Doin' Some Cookin'... Honey Pumpkin Spice Shakeology

This creamy concoction uses real pumpkin and is a healthier alternative to the Starbucks drive thru. Although not as warm and comforting but for the diet conscious it does the trick. To sweeten things up a little bit o' honey and to spice it up extra ginger in the pumpkin pie spice.

Pumpkin is a good source of Vitamin A which is important for healthy teeth and vision.

Good thing I bought extra cans of pumpkin puree while at Whole Foods over the weekend so I can enjoy this whenever I want. Hopefully all the way to Summer. Ha!

Honey Pumpkin Spice Shakeology

From: The Beachbody Blog

Makes 1 Serving

Stars of the Show:

• 1 cup water
• 1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 cup crushed ice

And Action:

Combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth. Enjoy!

Doin' Some Cookin... Pumpkin Spice Latte

2 things...

1) I know it's time for Christmas brain and

2) No one is thinking about pumpkin after November but...

I saved a recipe for a Pumpkin Spice Latte but never got around to making it during the appropriate season. You know how best of intentions go and how sleep is more important. So I settled for Starbucks saving the recipe for another time.

I fall for it every time at least once a Fall season... a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. After getting to the bottom of my Venti I remember why I only get it once. It's too sweet and getting seasonal favorites from Starbucks Skinny or nonfat is just no fun... and yes, I know, I've heard and read the countless stories floating around on the Internet about steering clear since there is no "pumpkin" anything in their version. 

My version is spicy, actually contains pumpkin, and is topped with a healthy dose of real whipped cream. Don't expect this to taste anywhere close to what Starbucks produces but have piece of mind you will taste the pumpkin and know exactly what's in your PSL. 

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Makes 1 Serving

Stars of the Show:

• 1 cup brewed black coffee
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
• pumpkin pie spice, to taste
• dash of cayenne pepper

And Action:

Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan and heat to desired temperature. Make sure to continuously whisk to keep the milk from burning on the bottom of the pan. Enjoy!