CINNAMON PUMPKIN CHIA BUTTER

As a kid pumpkin came a close third behind cabbage and brussel sprouts on the list of things I couldn't eat without holding my nose.

My, how time can change your tastebuds!

Without fail, pumpkin and cabbage are on my shopping list every single week (sprouts too when they are in season and don't cost the Earth!) If I can get a whole butternut pumpkin, chop it in half and bake it until it's soft I am quite happily set for eats until its all magically disappeared into my content tummy! Chopped and added to salad, mixed with rice, beans and spices or even turned into a sweet treat by mixing through cooked oats or topping a chunk with nut butter and dried fruit! Those American's are really onto something with their idea of sweet pumpkin pies, an idea that used to amaze and disturb me!

But Pumpkin 'Butter' - that was a new one even for me!

Waking up one morning to find my trusty jar of tahini had run dry I panicked momentarily about what I would use to spread on my naked English muffin. Then I spied a chunk of my dear, delicious baked pumpkin sitting in the fridge... Could I? Should I? 

Oh yes, I could, I should and I did...

With chia seeds added for a boost of fibre and healthy fats this delicious spread is one more sneaky way to get extra vegetables into your diet - and that's always a good thing!!

CINNAMON PUMPKIN CHIA BUTTER

- Makes : About 1 Cup - 
- Time : 5 Minutes -

150g baked pumpkin, skin removed
1tbs chia seeds
1tbs - 1/4 cup almond milk (see notes)
1/2 tbs rice malt syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon

• Blend all ingredients together until no large chunks of pumpkin remain. Taste for sweetness and adjust. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes :

- Canned pumpkin can be used in place of baked pumpkin (good luck finding it in Australia *sigh*)

- The amount of almond milk required will depend on how 'soggy' your pumpkin is after being baked. I generally start with 1tbs and add a little at a time until its a good 'butter' consistency.

- Use your preferred sweetener in place of rice malt syrup - I've also used coconut sugar with great results!

Breakfast saved!

Double Chia Action!! 

Cinnamon Pumpkin Chia Butter on Banana Chia Cake - perfection!