The Photographic Parsnip

The mall smoothie is not what you think it is. The mall smoothie does not come from the food court or a kiosk. The mall smoothie is what you drink on the afternoon of the day after Thanksgiving when you're still in your pajamas and the feeling of being full forever finally goes away. You want to snack. A lot. But you opt for something maybe kind of healthyish. This smoothie is for everyone who loves the smells of the fun foods at the mall (namely coffee. Also I love mid-afternoon soft pretzels.) but has no interest in even attempting to navigate the crowds of one of the busiest shopping days of the year. I would much rather relax at home all day and maybe get some things done and probably lay on the couch a lot. Because it's the day after Thanksgiving, this smoothie obviously has to use something(s) from yesterday's meal. I used cranberry sauce (because it's homemade and delicious) and some fresh fruit from the fruit platter. I mentioned the coffee smell of malls...

This morning, I awoke to big, feathery flakes swirling down from the sky. The first snow. It prompts excitement and dread alike, depending on who's talking. I have always been excited about snow (because isn't it beautiful?), but I've begun to realize why some people seem to so intensely dislike it. Cleaning off your car every morning and worrying about loved ones traveling in the winter weather gets exhausting. Nevertheless, I dig it. It's just gorgeous, and it sets the mood for the warm, fuzzy feeling that characterizes the holiday season. Cue Hallmark Christmas movie marathon. I know, it's not even Thanksgiving yet. So, I was really feeling a warm, fancy-ish-feeling breakfast to revel in the snowly glory. Not that fruit topping is fancy. But it definitely gave my oatmeal a different vibe that I liked and added a weekend level of sweetness but wasn't overpowering. Also, can we talk about 25?! After first hopping on the Adele bandwagon about 3 or 4 ...

 It's getting cold. This is the time for hot, cozy drinks. Apple cider, hot tea, the infamous pumpkin spice latte. Right? Well, right, but people eat ice cream year-round, and smoothie bowls are basically the same thing.   It's also November now, which means Thanksgiving, which means pumpkin pie! So, to gear up for that and get into the spirit of things (while getting those greens and saving the lovely pie itself for the actual day... even though I may or may not have already had some this year...), I give you this green pumpkin pie in a bowl. Green Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Bowl handful spinach 1 frozen banana 1/2 c pumpkin puree 1/2 c Greek yogurt 1 tbsp honey 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/8 tsp cloves enough milk to blend pepitas, granola, and extra cinnamon and honey for topping Combine everything but the toppings in your blender until it's nice and smooth. Pour into a bowl, sprinkle with granola and pepitas and an extra sprinkling of cinnamo...