I know, I know, more pumpkin. It really is e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e this time of the year and I understand that people get tired of hearing about it. Truthfully I was lacking inspiration in the pumpkin category until I entered Trader Joe’s. Holy pumpkin! Let’s just start by saying that we live approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes from the nearest Trader Joe’s. Did I tell you we live in po-dunk Iowa? I mean it really is a sad statement. So needless to say I don’t get there as often as I would like. And yes, I do drive to a good grocery store, is that embarrassing?!?
So back to the pumpkin issue. As I was walking into the store I noticed a sign outside that said over 50 pumpkin flavored foods inside. WHAT?!? Fifty amazing fall inspired foods sitting right there on their shelves. Yes, please! It was like the pumpkin vibe came alive inside of me again. As I slowly walked up and down each isle inspired by the spiced apple and pumpkin e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e there was one little thing that drew me in, the bite sized pieces of pumpkin pie.
And of course this was the sample of the day. Trader Joe’s gets me every time with those darn samples. The smell just draws me in like I have some string tired around my waste and they slowly pull and pull until I am right there drooling over the perfectly cooked portion of delicious looking food. As you can see there are many reasons grocery shopping is not one of my husband’s favorite jobs to do with me. ->EMBARRASSING<-
So they had these delicious looking pumpkin pie bites and spiced apple cider. The bites I couldn’t test because of the whole gluten thingy and so I just stood there and looked mesmerized by their beauty. I’m pretty sure the lady watching over the snacks thought I was a little crazy as she eventually ask, “can I help you with something.” “Uh-uh-nope, thanks.” As I quickly grabbed the spiced apple cider and scurried off. Okay, I really need to pull my food nerdiness together when I am in public people, geesh. I know, just get to the point!
So as I was standing there drooling over this tiny sample, possibly crying on the inside that I couldn’t let myself taste it, I was running through ways in which I could make it myself. You know my little obsession with taking everyday food and turning then into something healthy yet so divinely flavorful you don’t really even miss the real deal? Now I had my mission, pumpkin pie.
Well as the story turns, obviously this pudding is not the same thing as pumpkin pie. –>FAIL<– I get it, but the flavors are sure there and let me tell you this is easy! Like Easy Bake Oven easy. And secretly it may take that urge for a big slice of creamy, spiced pie away……then again maybe not. We will work on that. In the meantime, whip this up for a little pumpkin action in your life. And don’t forget the coconut whip cream. I know, I probably don’t even need to remind you of that. And if I do, we can work through it and bring you to the bright side of coconut whipped cream on everything please. This tutorial from Oh She Glows is the one I go to every time I need to whip up a batch.
Oh and this happened for the hundredth time. Obviously the kids were waiting not so patiently to dig in. Hands, hundreds of pictures of little hands trying to snatch away my food. Every time, every time.
- 1 Can Coconut milk (BPA Free)
- 1 Cup Pumpkin (BPA Free)
- 2 Tbsp Coconut sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 Tbsp + 1 tsp Arrowroot Powder
- 2 tsp Cinnamon, ground
- 1 tsp Nutmeg, ground
- ¼ tsp Cloves, ground
- ¼ tsp Ginger, ground
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp Butter, cut into small pieces
- Add coconut milk and sugar to a small pot and heat over low-medium heat, bringing it to a simmer.
- Meanwhile, whisk eggs and add in arrowroot powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger and pumpkin.
- Pour one ladle of the steaming milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent clumping.
- Turn the pot of coconut milk to low and slowly add the egg mixture, whisking until thickened.
- Once it thickens, remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter.
- Pour into four small bowls, or mason jars, cover and cool until well chilled.
- Top with coconut whipped cream.
