EASY PUMPKIN PUREE

Hey all! I’ve picked the last of my pumpkins today and I was lucky enough to get 13 this year! *I knew 13 wasn’t unlucky 😂* 

Our family planted a few types, Big Max, Connecticut, Amish and Ghost 👻 pumpkins. We used the large Big Max pumpkins for carving jack-o’-lanterns and I’m using the Ghost pumpkins for Fall decorations and I’m about to roast the Amish and Connecticut pumpkins and then make puree which I’ll use in pancakes, pies, pumpkin rolls, pastries etc *drool*

So here’s the easiest and shortest recipe ever!

ROASTED PUMPKIN PUREE

1. Wash and dry the pumpkin ( The smaller pumpkins are a bit sweeter)

2. Stab repeatedly *I had too much fun 😂*

3. Put pumpkin in a glass baking dish or tray and bake at 350F for about 45-60 mins or until fork tender. 

4. Let cool, cut in half, scrape the seeds and guts out and then puree the flesh in a food processor/blender.
That’s it! Super easy and so much better than the canned puree and it also freezes well. I like to store 2 cups of puree in each freezer storage bag, so when I need it I know exactly how much is in there.

Here are my pumpkin farmers 🎃🎃🚜👨‍🌾👩‍🌾❤️❤️

WHAT’S FOR LUNCH?

I’ve been trying to eat a little healthier, and lose a little weight, shooting for 25 lbs. So far I’ve lost 15lbs *yay me* but now the weight loss has slowed… or maybe it was that burger and animal fries and milkshake that I had at In n Out 😀 *shhhhh*

My friend and I are trying to cut out carbs, flour and rice, which makes meals a little difficult, since I am a bread fiend *sigh*. But I pulled out my trusty spiralizer and I was determined to make something healthy and delicious. I came up with Roasted lemon, garlic and herb chicken and a mushroom and veggie noodle stir fry.

It’s so much easier to eat veggies when they’re so bright and colorful and it feels like you’re eating pasta 😀 *and who doesn’t love guilt free veggie ‘pasta’*

What are you having for lunch today?

Roasted Garlic Asparagus

• 1 ³⁄₄-2 lbs fresh crisp asparagus
• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
•  1 tsp lemon zest
• ¹⁄₂ tsp dried oregano
• ¹⁄₄ tsp red pepper flakes
• kosher salt (to taste)
• fresh ground black pepper(to taste)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400F.
2. Heat olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, oregano, and red pepper flakes in a small pan over low heat until garlic becomes golden and oil becomes fragrant; remove from heat and allow to cool.
3. Bend asparagus gently until it breaks at a natural point and discard ends.
4. Toss asparagus pieces with infused olive oil and place in a single layer on a baking sheet (one with a side edge).
5. Season asparagus with salt and pepper.
6. Roast at 400F  for 12 minutes or until cooked to your liking.
7. Serve hot.