Please don’t tell me you’re already over all of the pumpkin everything.
I know, I know, people get really into pumpkin this time of year, and some find it a bit overkill.
But not me. I love pumpkin. As far as I’m concerned, pumpkin could just set up camp and move in for good. It’s such a mild, sweet, comforting flavor…Who says it should only be welcome from September through November? I might just have to start a petition.
But I will say…After baking a few loaves of traditional pumpkin bread (hello sugar + fat,) and drinking my fair-share and then-some of the Pumpkin Spice Lattes (Or PSL’s as my boys affectionately call them, because apparently 13 isn’t too young to fall in love,) I started to crave a healthier option for my fall/pumpkin cravings.
So, I took my Favorite Energy ball recipe, and simplified. Then I added a heaping 1/2 cup (I’m pretty sure it was closer to a full cup,) of canned pumpkin, and 2 heaping tsp.’s of pumpkin pie spice. And I did a little happy dance because I had a really good feeling…
And I was right. Fantabulous. Truly and really. You’re gonna want to make these today.
I put mine in the refrigerator (it’s still in the hot/humid/I need to complain-zone here,) and two hours later, offered them to my family. And they got big thumbs up. In fact, the flavor is so good, and the pumpkin added such a nice moisture to these that I might add pumpkin to my energy balls year-round now.
I can break an unwritten rule as good as the next guy.
Happy Fall to you!
Hope your family loves them too!
- heaping ½ cup of pumpkin puree
- 1½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup shredded (unsweetened) coconut
- ½ cup finely chopped dates (may substitute raisins or craisins if you prefer.)
- 1 Tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
- ⅓ cup slivered almonds or other nuts of choice (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Optional Add-in: ¼ cup mini-chocolate chips
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl, mixing well.
- Roll into bite-sized balls and place on a plate or cooking sheet
- Refrigerate til firm and cold
- ENJOY!
- **Keep in refrigerator for up to a week for best flavor.
Oh–and don’t forget that when you Pin and Share, the world becomes a happier place.
🙂
Do you have a favorite FALL/PUMPKIN treat? Tell me about it! Let me know in comments, below. There’s always room for more around here!
See you soon with a very packed post!
Aloha,
Monica
Yum!! I haven’t even made your original energy balls yet (something about morning sickness…ugh) but I’m thinking these will be a good place to start now that I’m back in the kitchen (sort of). Thanks for sharing!
Monica, Just want to thank you for your wonderful and insightful posts about raising teenage boys. I have a 12 year old boy and while I love seeing all the amazing changes taking place and watching him transform into a young man, it’s becoming more and more challenging to keep the lines of communication open. Your blog really helps.
Oh, and ditto on your sentiments with the weather, we’re experiencing the same thing here in south Florida. We had a little tease last weekend, the temp dropped to 69 one night and the humidity was greatly reduced for about 2 days, but now we’re right back where we were…still, I’ll take it over the cold dry north any day!!!!
thank you Tracey! I’m so glad that my teenage boy posts have been helpful! Sounds like you’re headed into the teen years with intention, and that will pay off!
Happy Fall in Florida…You’re right–we both have plenty to be thankful for! 🙂 Aloha
I’m feeling your humid pain over here on the windward side. I’ve been under the vog for the past few days (bleh) and I’m ready for the trades to get back here right this minute!
These look good! Thanks for sharing. I’m going to try to make these this afternoon. I need to create some fall around here even if I have to fake it a little! 🙂 Maybe these will chase away my grumpies today!
Monica, these are right up my alley and I’m making them soon. But I’ve been meaning to tell you for weeks that I love reading your advice about raising boys. I have a 10-year-old boy (as of next week) and a 1-year-old boy (and a couple girls in between). My oldest is a really great kid and we are a Christ centered family, but I’m terrified of preteen and teen years and I really don’t want to blow it! Your willingness to share your experience is a gift to me and my husband 🙂