Spice-spice, baby!

PUMPKIN PIE SPICE

There are few spice blends that I use more than Pumpkin Pie. It’s so good in everything – from my Pumpkin Protein Shake, to Greek-style yogurt, cheesecake, quick breads, spice cookies, sprinkled on oatmeal…the list goes on and on.

The one that you can buy is good in a pinch…but nothing beats the hand-picked cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, high-quality ginger and all the LOVE that goes into making your own!

I know there are higher-end places you can buy spices, but I love Penzey’s. They are super fresh and affordable, and have a big variety.

Making your own blend means you can choose the flavors you love to dominate, add just a touch of this or that and go heavy on something else. This recipe is the ratios that I love – add, subtract…use a stronger or milder cinnamon – whatever makes you happy in your heart!

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For the standard, Libby’s-everybody-loves-it pumpkin pie recipe (two pie-big can) I use 3 1/2 teaspoons of the mix.

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12 teaspoons China Cassia cinnamon (this is my fave, but any will work)

6 teaspoons ground ginger

3 teaspoons cloves

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/4 rounded teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg  (makes a huge difference!)

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Combine all and store in an airtight container.  Keeps at least six months.

 

 

 

 

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Spiced Mini Cheesecakes…a little is better than nothing!

SPICED MINI CHEESECAKES

Portion control.  IF you can control yourself and eat just one!

I love cheesecake – and it’s so easy to make sugar free.  Tastes fabulous (gets better as it sits at least a day in the fridge) and takes no time to whip up a batch of these little beauties.

Took a simple vanilla recipe and added some Autumn spices – a crust of crushed sugar free cookies and butter…toasted pecans on the top.  A great dessert to nibble at with a cup of decaf on a windy, chilly evening.

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1 1/3 cups crushed sugar free ginger snaps, if you can find them OR graham cracker crumbs

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup melted butter

Two 8-ounce packages reduced fat cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons Splenda Granular

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/8 teaspoon cloves

2 eggs (to reduce the fat, use 1/2 cup EggBeaters.  It won’t be the exact same texture, but will still be great.)

Toasted pecans, to sprinkle, optional

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Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Line a 12-regular sized muffin pan with cupcake liners.  Spray lightly with vegetable cooking spray.  (I like the foil ones – they are pretty and seem to hold up better.)

In a medium bowl combine the graham or cookie crumbs, cinnamon, and melted butter.  Divide and press into each lined cup.

In a large bowl beat the cream cheese until smooth.  Beat in the Splenda, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves.  Beat in the eggs, one at a time, just until incorporated.  Divide batter evenly amongst the cups.  (You can fill them to the top.)  Sprinkle on toasted pecans, if desired.

Bake for 15-20 minutes – or JUST until they are almost set.  Should still be slightly jiggly.  (They will continue cooking for a minute or two out of the oven.)  Allow to cool completely and remove from the pan.  Chill for at least several hours, or preferably overnight.  Makes 12 mini cheesecakes.

Per Cheesecake: Calories 218; Protein 7 g; Fat 14 g; Carbs 16 g; Fiber 1 g; Sugar 3 g; Sodium 218 mg

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