Creamy Pumpkin Pie (50% raw and dairy-free)

Winter squashes are vegetables proven to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, as well as anti-diabetic and insulin-regulating properties. They can be prepared cooked, raw, sweet or savory. There are a variety of winter squashes to choose from, such as sweet dumplings and pumpkins. In celebration of Autumn, we decided to make a homemade organic pumpkin pie! Although we like to eat raw, we decided to bake our pumpkin in order to get a smoother texture, but our crust and some of our pie filling is raw! Growing and eating organic fruits and vegetables is important for good health. You can learn to grow your very own organic winter squashes by clicking here.

Simple Pumpkin Pie Recipe 

Serves 8

Ingredients: 

Filling:

∙ 1 small organic pumpkin (butternut squash is also a great choice)

∙ 9 organic medjool dates (pitted)

∙ 1/4 -1/2 cup of organic homemade coconut milk*

∙ 2 tbsp of organic coconut butter (optional)

∙ 1/2 tbsp of nutmeg

∙ 1 tbsp of cinnamon

Crust:

∙ 1 cup of organic pre-soaked cashews or almonds

∙ 1/4 cup of organic shredded coconut (add more if needed)

∙ 1-2 organic medjool dates (pitted)

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 

2. Peel pumpkin and dice in small pieces.

3. Add seasoning (spices) and place pumpkin in oven to bake for about 45 minutes. (You can skip this step to eat pumpkin raw).

4. Prepare pie crust by adding ingredients to a food processor and blending.

5. Use the crust mix to line a springform pan. Press down to flatten and spread evenly.

6. Once pumpkin is ready, add to a blender and let cool.

7. Add coconut milk and all remaining ingredients to blender and puree.

8. Fill springform pan with pie filling and place in freezer for about an hour (to set).

9. Serve and enjoy!

10. Place in fridge for up to 2 days. 

* Coconut milk: 

1. Drain the water from a natural coconut and set it aside. 

2. Crack open the coconut and break it into pieces. 

3. Juice the coconut meat (once removed from coconut shell). 

4. Mix an equal (150 ml each) amount of coconut water (previously drained) and coconut cream to provide you with the 300 ml necessary for the recipe above. (If there is more coconut cream than water, you can add store bought coconut water to complete.)

Picking Apples In September

Back in September, we drove up to Avalon Orchards for some organic apple picking! We love the opportunity to pick our own organic fruits. Freshly picked (raw and ripe) fruits contain energy that can heal the human body. Organic apples have proven to decrease oxidation of cell membrane fats. This is important in our cardiovascular system since oxidation of fat in the membranes of cells, is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular problems. Avalon Orchards is a Certified Organic Apple orchard located in Innisfil, Ontario. Avalon Orchards apples and apple cider is available at Trinity Bellwoods Farmer’s market on Tuesdays.

Below: photos from the orchard- enjoy!