Out With Pumpkin Spice, In With Apple Cinnamon

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Pumpkin spice is arguably one of the most popular flavors of the fall season. Pumpkin spice lattes tend to take the spotlight as the weather gets colder and the leaves begin to change colors. While pumpkin deserves its recognition, I sometimes think other classic fall flavors get overlooked, such as maple, pecan, caramel, apple and cinnamon. This fall, I want to take pumpkin out of the spotlight for a moment and shine some light on another seasonal favorite: apple cinnamon!

Apples and cinnamon are a classic combination that brings warmth and sweetness to fall recipes. Apples not only have a delicious flavor, but they are also packed with nutrients, such as fiber, phytochemicals and vitamin C. When combined, apple and cinnamon offer even more health benefits. Cinnamon is a spice that may help with blood sugar control, protect against heart disease and reduce inflammation. Together, these two provide plenty of flavor, allowing you to enjoy a sweet tasting recipe without incorporating extra sugar.

One way to enjoy these flavors together is in an Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Smoothie! This recipe combines unsweetened apple sauce, banana, oats, cinnamon and almond butter to create a nutritionally packed morning meal or afternoon snack. 

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Smoothie: 

Recipe By: CozyPeachKitchen 

Ingredients: 

-              ½ large banana sliced

-              4 ounces unsweetened applesauce

-              ⅓ cup soy milk or milk of choice

-              ¼ cup rolled oats 

-              1 tablespoon almond butter peanut butter also works

-              ½ teaspoon cinnamon

-              1 teaspoon maple syrup adjust to taste

-              1 tablespoon ground flax seed optional

-              3-4 ice cubes as needed

Directions: 

-              Thinly slice half of a large banana. Place on a small cutting board or baking sheet and place in the freezer until frozen, about 1-2 hours. 

-              Add all ingredients to a blender: frozen banana slices, applesauce, soy milk, rolled oats, almond butter, cinnamon, maple syrup and ground flax seed. Blend on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. 

-              Adjust maple syrup to taste and add extra milk as needed to reach desired consistency. Optionally, blend in 2-4 ice cubes for a colder smoothie. Serve topped with an extra dash of cinnamon.

S.L. 

References: 

https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/food-features/apples/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon

Recipe Link:  

https://cozypeachkitchen.com/apple-cinnamon-smoothie/#recipe

 

 

 

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