In the US, today is Thanksgiving.  Some lovingly refer to this National Holiday as "Turkey Day."  Friends....this is wrong!  Now, I DO love turkey (and stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and ALL the fixin's that accompany the bird) 

BUT...

I believe this holiday was dubbed with the incorrect nickname!  What is today without Pumpkin Pie?!  NOTHING!!  I'm filling my day with as much pumpkin-ness as possible starting with this beauty for breakfast.

Delicious and packed with protein AND veggies (shh...don't tell the kiddos that pumpkin is a vegetable), this smoothie will fill you up, tame some afternoon cravings, and use up that can of pumpkin you bought just in case you decided to actually MAKE pumpkin pie instead of buying that premade one from the bakery.

Servings - 1 large or 2 mini-smoothies

1 banana, peeled frozen (or use 1 fresh banana and a few ice cubes)

1/2 c pumpkin

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1 t unsweetened coconut (or almond butter)

1 T maple syrup

1 t vanilla extract

1 t pumpkin pie spice

1 c milk (your choice almond, 2%, etc.)

Add ingredients to high powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy. (If not using a high-powered blender, start with banana & milk blending until smooth.  Then add the remaining ingredients.)

Serve in a glass and sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice and a dollop of whipped cream on top!