Raw Vegan Pumpkin Hemp Spread

As the seasons change, so do our senses for warmer, earthier foods. 

Our five senses interact to influence our experiences with food and beverages. Things such as bonfires, fireplaces, apple trees, pine cones, cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin help create these feelings of coziness and comfort.   During the colder, damp, winter months, try exploring more foods with a bitter taste.  For example, arugula, dandelion greens, beet greens, beets, carrots, apples, cranberries, pears, squash, millet, quinoa, chickpeas, red lentils and soaked almonds or cashews. Get into more spices, like cardamom, cayenne, curry powder, allspice, and turmeric as well as chamomile, jasmine, and peppermint tea.  These foods are chock full of health benefits.

How about an EARTHY, RAW VEGAN PUMPKIN HEMP SPREAD?

Pumpkin and hemp seeds - the perfect pair providing a smooth texture with a subtle crunch.  Pumpkin is a storehouse of many anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-A, vitamin-C and vitamin-E.  It's also a good source of B-complex group of vitamins and a rich source of minerals.   Hemp seeds are often classified as one of nature's perfect foods, and a health powerhouse in the following ways:

• Vegan and gluten free, and rich source of essential vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. 

• The Good Fats:  Hemp seeds contain the perfect 1:3 balance of Omega-3 to Omega-6, which the body needs for optimal skin health, energy production, nervous system function, brain development, heart health, and immune system support.
  
• Naturally Occurring Super Omegas: These help the body convert benefits of Omega-3 & Omega-6 EFA's more efficiently. 
  
• Whole, Plant-Based Protein: One of the best sources for easily digestible, high-quality protein. Unlike soy, hemp does not contain enzyme inhibitors and phytates, so the nutrients in hemp can be easily absorbed by the body. 
• Essential Amino Acids: Hemp Seeds contain ALL of the essential amino acids.  A perfect, complete protein source for those who live a plant-based lifestyle.  

Ingredients:

• 1 can organic pumpkin puree
• 1-2 tablespoons VitaFiber (syrup or powder)
• 2 packages Natera Hemp Seeds - Maple (or 4-6 tablespoons hemp seeds) 
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch of cajun pepper (optional)
  
• 1 pinch sea salt

Directions:
Depending on choice of sweetener, you can either mix everything in a bowl by hand or use a blender. If you use syrup, a blender is best.

1. Put everything in a bowl, except the hemp seeds. Mix well (or blend in mixer)
2. Stir in hemp seeds and mix again.
3. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator.
   
4. Enjoy!
   

This simple, raw vegan spread is so easy to make, extremely healthy and tastes delicious with so many things, including:

• Spread on sprouted grain toast
  
• Serve in oatmeal
  
• Spread in a root veggie wrap
  
• A dip for veggies or zucchini chips
  
• Enjoy in half of an avocado
  
• Eat all by itself!

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VitaFiber™, by BioNeutra™ is a natural, certified organic, low calorie prebiotic fiber (syrup or powder) for human digestive health.

NATERA™ Hemp Seeds, by Naturally Splendid® are exceptionally pure, plump and nutritious. A rare source of complete protein, they contain all 20 known amino acids including the 8 essential and 2 semi-essential amino acids our bodies need for optimum health.

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