Foods to Ponder

Pumpkin


I love the holidays.  Mostly because of the festivities that lead up to the hoidays...but nonetheless it is such a joyous time of year (aside from the looming change in weather if you live in New England).  It is around this time of year...every year...that I remember how much I love pumpkin.  Pumpkin everything...from coffee and breads to pasta and cake--it's delicious and so good for you (well, the pumpkin is...not sure I can say the same for pumpkin pie!).  


Canned pumpkin is so easy, accessible and like I said...good for you!  One half cup has just 43 calories and 3.5 grams of fiber.  It is high in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which promote good vision and immunity respectively.  It is a great addition to oatmeal -- one of my many oatmeal concoctions -- and lasts for days in the refrigerator (so you don't have to use the whole can at once).  


A really delicious pumpkin treat is an old 2-ingredient Weight Watchers recipe.  Just take a box of cake mix (I find chocolate or spice cake work best) and mix with 1 can of pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling--use real pumpkin).  Bake according to the directions on the cake box--but don't use any other ingredients--just pumpkin and plain cake mix.  The mixture will be thick.  It makes a delicious low calorie cake or muffins--180 calories, 12 servings--whichever your prefer.  


My absolute favorite pumpkin dish is a recipe my sister discovered while watching the Food Network.  The official name is Penne-Wise Pupmkin Pasta but we refer to it as pumpkin pasta (original, huh?).  The recipe is fairly healthy as is but with a few substitutions it can be even better.  I always use low-sodium chicken stock and instead of cream, use nonfat milk.  If you are really feeling healthy--serve the sauce over Fiber Gourmet pasta and I guarantee you will be incredibly full and satisfied when you finish.  It is truly so yummy--my husband actually requests it--and it is so easy to make.  I always feel really accomplished when I make it because I made my own pasta sauce and in no time.  


Mmm, pumpkin!






Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com