Easy as Pie Vegan Pumpkin Custard

A few years ago, I was feeling rather festive, which quickly resulted in my having a massive craving for pumpkin pie.  I do have an incredible gluten free, refined sugar free, soy free, dairy free, etc., etc. pumpkin pie that I will for sure eventually share, BUT I was sort of wanting more immediate gratification! Update: click here for my pumpkin pie recipe!

So, I crossed my fingers and whipped up (literally) a fantastic raw, vegan, treat that more than sufficed for a quick pumpkin pie-like treat! Since almonds are used to make a delicious milk alternative, it makes a lot of sense that this would create a sweet, milky/ creamy flavor. Added bonus: it took 2 minutes to make! This treat does taste better after being chilled in the fridge.

What you will need:

- One 15 oz. can of pumpkin. (I use organic Farmer's Market brand because the can has a BPA free liner.  Available at Whole Foods.)
- 1/3 cup almonds, chopped. (It's best if you soak them in water overnight to remove enzyme inhibitors  and to soften them so that you reach a creamier consistency.) 
- 2 1/2-3 tablespoons brown Lakanto (other options are xylitol or organic brown coconut sugar)
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie seasoning blend. (I love, love this pre-mixed spice of cinnamon, ginger, lemon    peel, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, star anise, fennel, and black pepper. You can find this with the spices at  almost any grocery. It also tastes wonderful in quinoa, paired with a natural sweetener.)
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract, preferably alcohol free.
- 1 tablespoon water

What to do!

- Add drained almonds and 1 T of water to a food processor (I used my Vitamix for this).
- After the almonds are blended into a paste, add pumpkin, sweetener, vanilla, and seasoning.
- Blend until smooth.
- Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and/or almonds for garnish.

ENJOY!  I really enjoyed it with a hot cup of chai tea. Although, I love tea with almost everything.

Good news: this is one of those sweet treats you can enjoy for breakfast and not feel the least bit guilty! This dish is packed with potassium, vitamins A and C, protein, and if you were as happy as I was after eating, it also has a mood boosting effect! *I actually just read that pumpkin boosts serotonin, which is said to give you a more positive outlook.