Pumpkin Chai Smoothie

Here in the Midwest we’ve been experiencing the most beautiful fall I can ever remember. The days have been mild, with bright blue skies, leaves falling to the ground, and a slight crisp breeze in the air. The evenings – downright chilly, and brisk, yet perfect with a light fleece.

I love this time of the year, in fact, of all four seasons it’s my favorite.

Pumpkins are beginning to line the porches of most of the homes nearby, and I can smell the heavenly aroma of baked goods coming from the homes with open windows. Aah yes, this is my time of year.

Of course, it’s also the beginning of stretch pant season! The time of year that we all start to overindulge in sugary treats. From Halloween straight through to New Years it’s one big feast, leaving us no other alternative than to wear our stretch pants.

So today I thought I’d share with you a healthy pumpkin treat – Pumpkin Chai Smoothie! While it satisfies your sweet cravings it also provides you with health benefits.

What is Chai? Masala Chai, an aromatic spiced tea, has been the Indian drink of choice for hundreds of years. It is the perfect blend of freshly ground spices (chai masala) like cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom and pepper, added to a boiling pot of loose leaf tea and milk to make a delicious, satisfying and healthy beverage. it is said that Chai produces a warming, soothing effect, and acts as a natural digestive aid giving one a sense of well being.

Over the past several years we’ve seen a phenomenal growth in the popularity and interest in chai. Recipes have cropped up using this special blend in dishes from beverages to desserts.

The recipe below doesn’t use any sweetener other than a banana, but feel free to add honey, or maple syrup to give it that full fall flavor.

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