Pumpkin Spice Season is in Full Swing!

Pumpkin spice has become a fall favourite, celebrated in everything from lattes to candles. Its warm, comforting blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger perfectly captures the essence of autumn, making it a staple in seasonal treats. But beyond its flavor appeal, pumpkin itself offers impressive health benefits. Rich in zinc and vitamin A (as beta-carotene), pumpkin boosts immunity, supports eye health, and promotes glowing skin. Its high fiber content aids digestion, while antioxidants help protect against chronic diseases. Enjoying pumpkin-based dishes can be a delicious way to enhance your well-being as the crisp autumn air sets in. Try out my all-time favourite pancake recipe below for a cozy start to your day!

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes (DF, GF, Keto friendly)

Ingredients:

-2 large eggs

-2 tbsp almond flour

-1 tbsp coconut flour

-1/4 cup pureed pumpkin

-1 tsp maca powder

-1/4 tsp ground cardamom, cinnamon

-1/8 tsp cloves

-coconut oil for cooking

Place all ingredients in a small food processor and blend together. Melt 2 teaspoons of coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Using half the batter, make 3 pancakes. Let cook until the edges are firm and flip to cook the other side. Remove pancakes when done and melt 1 tsp coconut oil in the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining batter. Top with your choice of nut butter and fruit if you like. My favourite combination is almond butter, blueberries and bananas with a touch of maple syrup!

The Only Brownie Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Seriously…it’s that good! We’ve all been there; trying to adjust recipes for yourself, or to cater to friends and family members so no one feels left out at a get together, only to end up with a sandy rock shaped cookie to serve.

Well not any more! The mix of flavors and textures in this nutrient dense brownie make your taste buds do a happy dance. It’s super inclusive, so everyone can enjoy its moist and chewy deliciousness, no dietary restrictions holding you back. The best part? People won’t even know it’s gluten and dairy-free and vegan – it’s a culinary masterpiece that’s totally incognito!

Ingredients:

1 can of black beans

2 tbsp cocoa powder

1/2 cup of almond flour

1/4 tsp Himalayan salt

1/3 cup agave (or maple syrup)

1/4 cup MCT oil (or flax/coconut/avocado)

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/3 cup carob chips (or dark chocolate)

Preheat the oven to 350. Wash black beans really well under running water until bubbles are completely gone and drain. Combine all ingredients except carob chips into a food processor and blend until completely smooth. Add 1 tbsp of water if needed. Mixture should still be smooth and very thick. Blend really well. Stir in the chips and then pour into a 8×8 inch pan. Feel free to sprinkle any toppings if desired (shredded coconut, crushed walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, etc.).  Cook 15-18 minutes, then let cool in pan on a rack for 15 minutes before cutting. Refrigerating overnight can also make it more firm and easier to cut. Produces 12 servings. Make the moment even more magical and serve with a cup of English Breakfast. Enjoy!