Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

I am a guest in my daughter's home and love to be served her vegan dishes.  Don't overlook this variation.  It is a very tasty but nutritious version of plain oatmeal.
Serves 4

Ingredients:

2 cups water

1/2 cup fresh pumpkin puree or canned

1/2 cup dates, pitted and chopped

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 banana, mashed

2 Tablespoons almond butter

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1/8 teaspoon allspice

pinch of fine sea salt

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup old fashioned rolled oats

Optional Toppings:

shredded coconut

cacao nibs

hemp seeds

chopped pecans

almond milk for serving

*

Directions:

Whisk together all of the ingredients except for the oats in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir the last.  Gently simmer, stirring frequently, until the oats are tender and the consistency you like, 8 to 10 minutes.

Ladle the oatmeal into bowls and top with your favorite toppings and a drizzle of almond milk.