Pumpkin Time

Pumpkin pie tastes great this time of year and is also an excellent source of nutrients. The bright orange color of pumpkin is a dead giveaway that pumpkin is loaded with an important antioxidant, beta-carotene. Current research indicates that a diet rich in foods containing beta-carotene may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer and offers protection against heart disease.  These yummy pumpkin pie parfaits are a delicious way to get your vitamin A in for the day! This dessert is a healthier alternative to traditional pumpkin pie that may be full of unneeded calories!

Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Parfait

Pumpkin pie layer:

• 15 oz pure pumpkin puree
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened evaporated milk
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ginger
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt

Place all ingredients for Pumpkin Pie layer in a bowl, mix well.

Yogurt layer:

• 1 cup low fat vanilla Greek yogurt

Measure out yogurt into a bowl.

Crumble Layer:

• 6 sheets graham crackers
• 1 tbsp whole almonds for topping (optional)

Place graham crackers in a plastic bag, crush until at desired texture. 

Spoon a heaping tablespoon of pumpkin pie mixture into small 3 oz. containers. Add a heaping tablespoon of yogurt, then top with a heaping tablespoon of crumble. Repeat adding a layer of pumpkin mixture, yogurt, and top with more crumble. Add whole almonds on top if desired. Store ingredients separately and assemble just before serving.  Makes 6 parfaits.

Nutrient Facts: Calories- 96 per serving; total fat- 2gm; saturated fat-1gm; cholesterol – 3gm; sodium-227 mg; potassium-183mg; total carbohydrates- 17g; dietary fiber- 2g; sugars-12g.