Two New uses for Pumpkin Butter

Today was a fun day of relaxing, visiting with friends and family plus making TWO new recipes ~ Banana Nut Pumpkin Butter Flax Muffins and Molasses Baked Beans.  Both were big hits and I am glad I got it right on the first shot.  I now officially owe you all 3 recipes this week.  Once I have a chance to type them up with the stats I’ll post them.

We were up bright and early this morning to head over to Home Depot and our friends house for more fence fun.  Before heading out the door, I had a slice of Nature’s Pride 12-Oat Bread topped with 1 Tbsp Almond Butter & 1 Tbsp Healthy Homemade Pumpkin Butter – Wow!  Adding freshly ground dry roasted almond butter to this mix is AMAZING!  I can definitely see this in my future again. PB+AB = LOVE!

We stopped at Starbuck’s & I took the VIA taste test.  I knew which was the Pike’s Place because it was hotter than the VIA.  Although I am impartial to the “Pike’s” Place name, I actually liked the VIA better because it didn’t taste burnt or too strong.

I passed on a regular coffee since my heart was already racing and I ordered my usual Grande FF Decaf Latte with caramel drizzle….MMMM!

While The Husband and his friend installed their second fence of the weekend, I visited with our friends and got caught up on my gossip (US Magazine!)  He was starving so on our way home we stopped at Rubio’s.  This time, no chicken bowl for me – I got what I envy every time we go. 

I started with an awesome side salad (forgot to say dressing on the side, but, luckily they didn’t over load it).

Then, I had 1/2 of this bean and cheese burrito with 3 chips.  I quickly dumped my chips on The Husband’s plate so I wouldn’t eat them.  I was shocked to learn that their plain bean and cheese burrito (regardless of the whole wheat tortilla) is 960 calories (16 Weight Watcher Points)!!!  What do they put in their – it’s beans, cheese and salsa? Too bad because it’s so good.

I set out on a mission this afternoon to create the perfect recipe using my Healthy Homemade Pumpkin Butter that I made yesterday.  I found a winner with my first try ~ Banana Nut Pumpkin Butter muffins with Flax.

I had to sample 1/2 of one with a little extra pumpkin butter ~ INCREDIBLE!  That is all I can say.  I LOVE these muffins and they are healthy.  Recipe and stats coming soon (either later tonight or tomorrow). I can’t wait to share!

The nephews stopped by and brought us some mini pumpkins to go with our big pumpkin.  They said we needed a pumpkin family to decorate for Halloween.  So cute!

I finally found a reason to make the Mini Burgers I always see at Trader Joe’s – they have mini buns too.  I suppose the grown up term would be sliders, but, they are in burgers to me.

I made full sized burgers for us using the 96% Lean Ground Beef from TJ’s along with grilled corn on the cob x’s 2.

MMM ~ I served my burger up on a Whole Wheat Bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard and ketchup ~ delish!

To round it out, I threw out some snap peas and cherry tomatoes for a side.

Plus a 1/2 c serving of the Molasses Baked Beans that I’ve been cooking since yesterday using my new Canario Beans.  These are surprisingly good and I cannot wait to have them with some brown rice for lunch tomorrow.  I’ll post the recipe and stats tomorrow – You’ll love it – only 2 Weight Watcher Points per 1/2 cup.

I am back from my Body For Life Hiatus starting tomorrow.  I am going to continue with the eating as I described in THIS post, but, I will start my workouts up again tomorrow morning.  I really think the little breather helped to rejuvenate my motivation and make me ready to jump back in to finish the challenge strong.

Off to read, relax and enjoy what is left of the weekend.  Night all!