Shake it like you mean it...

A Marriage Made in Heaven...

A few years ago when they talked about a shortage of canned pumpkin I might have freaked out a little bit and stock piled as much of it as I could sneak by my husband.  True story.  I believe at one point I had like 20 something cans of it tucked away in the dark corners of my pantry hidden behind boxes of healthy foods that I knew he would never touch.  Again, this is a true story.  Any time I mention pumpkin to my family I get this whole eye roll thing as they say "not again mom"!  Whats wrong with pumpkin people?  It's orange, it's good for you...filled with antioxidants, has a creamy texture and um, HELLO!  It's ORANGE!  Need I say more?  I think not.  I might also have a mild obsession with the color orange...but I can blame that on my youngest son.  He has an obsession with University of Texas...as in Longhorn Orange!  He actually bleeds that color.  No lie! 

I think I'm getting a little off the subject here.  So with all my cans of pumpkin lingering around and my LOVE of my morning protein shakes I decided the two should meet.  Shake meet pumpkin...pumpkin meet shake.  It was a marriage made in heaven!  I won't bore you with the details other than to say that make sure the banana used is FROZEN.  This is a must people!  The frozen banana is what gives this shake the creamy, dreamy milkshake type texture.  If you are into pumpkin pie...this shake will rock your world! 

Now, go get your blender and SHAKE IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT!

Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake
Recipe makes 1 large shake

1 - c. milk
1 - large scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
1/2 frozen banana
3/4 c. pumpkin puree (you can use canned Pumpkin Pie Puree too if you don't mind the sugar)
2 Tbs. ground flax seed (optional - I use it cuz its good for my heart)
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. local honey (optional - I use it cuz its good for allergies)

Put all ingredients together in a blender.  Blend until smooth.  Sprinkle with nutmeg if desired or even some crushed up graham crackers...or whipped cream!