Lets get in the kitchen and cook something good for our soul and brain health! This class will focus on pumpkins, as well as some other healthy ingredients and how to incorporate them into our diet every day. We will focus on the healthy benefits of pumpkins, some reminiscing and popular activities related to pumpkin recipes. While we cook, we will practice mindfulness, heighten our senses and recall past memories. So grab your measuring spoons and spatulas…and join us for “Cooking with Melissa: All About Pumpkins.”

“Pumpkin Bars”

• 3 large eggs
• 15 oz can pumpkin puree
• ½ cup of sugar (or sugar substitute equivalent)
•  2 tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon of baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• 2 cups of almond flour
• 1 cup of oat flour
• ½ cup of dark chocolate chips

Cooking Tools:

•  Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Square baking dish
• Parchment paper
•  Cooking spray
• Measuring cups and spoons

“Pumpkin Pie Smoothie”

• 1 frozen banana
• ½ cup of plain or vanilla yogurt (I use Greek yogurt as it has more protein)
• ½ cup of pumpkin puree
• ½ cup of unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon of almond or pecan butter
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg, pinch of ginger

Cooking Tools:

• Blender
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons