Pumpkin Maple Water N’Oatmeal

Inspired by the amazing Diane Sanfilippo, BS, NC of Balanced Bites, we created a maple no-oats-meal. Pumpkin, maple, and all these superfoods will get ya ready for a full fall ahead.

Ingredients:
2 eggs
1 vanilla bean pod
2 cups Drink Simple maple water
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 ripe banana
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch of sea salt
1/4 cup chia seeds
Garnishes (optional): chopped nuts, banana slices, dash of cinnamon

Directions:

Whisk the eggs in a small bowl and set the bowl next to your stove. Slice the vanilla bean pod in half lengthwise, then, using the tip of a paring knife, scrape out the seeds. Put the scraped- out seeds, bean pod and maple water in a saucepan and heat slowly over medium heat, stirring often.

Once the mixture begins to simmer, stir more frequently; continue to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean pod and discard. Slowly pour a ladleful of the hot liquid mixture into the eggs as you whisk rapidly to incorporate. Then pour the liquid-egg mixture back into the saucepan while continuing to whisk. Stirring occasionally, cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until a spoon remains coated when dipped into the mixture.

Pour the entire mixture into a blender, add the banana, and blend until smooth, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cinnamon, salt, and chia seeds and pulse a few times or until evenly dispersed.

Divide the mixture into 4 serving bowls, jars, or glasses; cover; and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight. To serve warm, reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Egg-Free?

Omit the eggs. Blend all the ingredients in a blender, adding the chia seeds at the very end. Pour into containers and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. The consistency will be more like yogurt.