Tips from the Pros: Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice: Tasty (and Healthy!) Autumn Recipes

Fall is the season of pumpkin patches, hayrides, and weekend outings with friends. Some people can't wait to be out and about, soaking up every bit of the crisp autumn air. But for those who'd rather stay home and bring the season to life in their own kitchen, Clementines has a few delicious recipes to make fall flavors part of your table.

While Fall officially arrived on September 23rd, our favorite stores couldn't wait to embrace the season a little early.

Hobby Lobby had scarecrows doing the cha-cha in June, and Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts rolled out their pumpkin-spice extravaganza at the start of August. If you're still on the sidelines of the hayride, it's time to leap aboard and embrace sweater weather, cozy up with apple cider, and frolic in pumpkin patches.

At Clementines, we're excited to introduce our new Fall Menu! After celebrating our One-Year Anniversary on September 12th, we're ready to share our favorite autumn-inspired recipes with you. This season shines a spotlight on Pumpkins, but let's not forget the all-stars like Apples, Cranberries, Pears, Beets, and Sweet Potatoes. There are endless ways to weave these delicious fruits and veggies into healthy family recipes. Try them at home or swing by Clementines this season to savor the Fall Flavors!

High Protein Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Ingredients:

• ½ cup puree pumpkin

• 1 banana frozen

• ½ cup Greek yogurt

• ½ cup almond milk unsweetened

• 2 tbsp protein powder

• 1 tbsp cashew butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• â…› tsp nutmeg

• â…› tsp ginger

• â…› tsp allspice

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and mix on high for about 30 seconds or until smooth.

2. Pour into a glass & enjoy!

Nutrition:

Calories: 494kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 271mg | Potassium: 1082mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 19219IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 487mg | Iron: 5mg

Sweet Apple Pie Protein Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice)

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup chopped dried apples

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the unsweetened applesauce, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth consistency.

3. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir well to combine. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a splash of almond milk to reach a more pliable consistency.

4. Add Extras: Fold in the chopped dried apples and nuts (if using) until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

5. Form Bites: Using your hands, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture has been used.

6. Chill: Place the formed protein bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

7. Store: After chilling, transfer the protein bites to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for longer freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12-15 bites

Autumn Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad

Ingredients:

• 6 cups fresh spinach leaves, thoroughly washed and dried

• 2 medium apples (preferably Fuji or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced

• 1 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped (toasted for extra flavor)

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional for a creamier texture)

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spinach Base: In a large salad bowl, add the fresh spinach leaves as your crisp base.

2. Slice the Apples: Core and thinly slice the apples. If you prefer them to maintain their color and freshness, toss them in a little lemon juice after slicing.

3. Add the Crunch: Scatter the sliced apples evenly over the spinach. Then, sprinkle in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.

4. Slice the Onions: Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the salad for a touch of sharpness.

5. Feta Cheese: If using, crumble the feta cheese on top of the salad for a creamy, tangy contrast.

6. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined.

7. Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad right before serving. Gently toss everything together to ensure it's evenly coated, and adjust any seasoning if necessary.

8. Garnish and Enjoy: For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional nuts or cranberries on top before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings

So go ahead--savor the flavor of fall with our top recipe picks, or let us do the cooking for you. Stop by Clementines, taste what's fresh, and make this fall your most flavorful one yet. Also, don't forget to follow our socials, Facebook and Instagram, to check out our specialties and to get the latest news and updates about us.

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These recipes look like a treat! If you're in the mood to whip up something seasonal, give them a try at home and see how easy it is to bring fall flavors to your table. And if you're craving even more, stop by Clementines and let them know you spotted their feature on Discover Bradenton.

The opinions and advice shared in this article are those of the contributing author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Discover Bradenton. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to their individual needs.