Sweet Pumpkin Shake

Here in Florida, it still feels like summer.  The intense heat has started to break a little, and I’ve been enjoying the last nibbles of my favorite summer berries and fruits.  However, I am ready to dive full force into fall with its warming spices and comforting meals.  Here is my first spiced treat of the season.  It has fall’s delights but is cool enough to enjoy on a hot afternoon.

Sweet Pumpkin Shake

1 cup almond milk

1 large banana, peeled, frozen, and sliced

½ cup prepared pumpkin butter

2 pinches cinnamon

1 pinch nutmeg

1.      Place all ingredients into a blender.  Blend until combined.

2.      Serve immediately and enjoy!

Note:  Pumpkin butter is usually found by the jams and jellies in the supermarket.  If your store doesn’t carry it, specialty stores like Williams Sonoma have it seasonally.  I found a fantastic one at Whole Foods by McClain’s, a local company from Sarasota, which carries delicious products sweetened with apple juice. 

Spicy Virgin Mary

I tried this recipe many years ago while making brunch with a close friend.  It was so good that we didn’t want to ruin it by adding vodka.  Fresh juice is the key.  It really takes the drink to new heights.  Give it a try the next time you are serving brunch.  Your guests will be fighting for the last glass!

Spicy Virgin Mary

5 stalks celery, juiced

1 large cucumber, juiced

1 quart fresh tomato juice

6 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1-2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce, to taste

2-3 teaspoons horseradish

1 teaspoon soy sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon celery seeds

1 pinch garlic powder

1 pinch onion powder

1 pinch cayenne powder (plus more to garnish)

1.      In a large pitcher, stir together all ingredients.  Add salt, pepper and Tabasco sauce to taste.

2.      Serve immediately.