The Great Pumpkin

We may be a little obsessed with fall...but who isn't?  Beautiful weather, the return of boots & cozy sweaters, colorful turning leaves, and pumpkin EVERYTHING!  Speaking of pumpkin, if you're looking for something fun to do this weekend try taking a little trip out to Homestead Farm in Poolesville, MD. 

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It's an adorable farm with both an orchard for apple picking, as well as fields where you can pick your own pumpkin in the fall. 

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And if you aren't up for actually picking anything they have a great little general store area where you can buy a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits already picked for you, as well as various other goodies.  It's a little bit of a drive, but not too far, and the scenery on the way is well worth it. 

We recommend getting at least two pumpkins, one to carve into a jack-o-lantern and one to puree and use for this delicious, and SUPER healthy Pumpkin Smoothie recipe. It's sure to quell your craving for naughty Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Pumpkin Pie, or Pumpkin Cheesecake, but with none of the guilt! And of course you can always just use canned pumpkin if you want to simplify the process.

1/2 cup pureed or canned pumpkin
3/4 cup greek yogurt
1/4 cup almond milk (or rice/soy/cashew milk)
1/2 banana
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp chia or flax seeds
nutmeg, cinnamon & ginger to taste

Pour all ingredients into a blender & blend till smooth.  You may need to add extra almond milk to thin mixture to your liking.  You can also add ice or vanilla ice cream for a colder/more indulgent smoothie (I happen to like cold drinks better).  This is great for breakfast or a post-workout refuel.  

Recipe adapted from original via.