What's for Dessert? or, Another Pumpkin Bar Recipe!

Has anyone noticed that this blog has been suspiciously quiet? I didn't think so.

S and I have been eating by "The Plan" for several months now - more or less. We were pretty strict in the beginning, but once we started to "test" different foods, things got hard. Short story is that it is a great protocol for testing for food sensitivities or allergies — but not a lose-weight-fast plan. If you have a social life and eat outside of your own kitchen even occasionally, it can be a challenge. HOWEVER. I have learned a great deal about how my body works, what foods work better for me, and how to decrease inflammation in my body. And that has totally been worth it. I now avoid all corn and cow-dairy products as much as possible, and feel so much better for it. I drink more water, take my probiotics, and pay attention to how my body likes the foods I feed it. (It likes goat cheese.)

Now, for dessert. I wanted to come up with a quick fall dessert last night, and did a fast internet search for a "paleo pumpkin cake" since I had basic ingredients around and wanted to use up some almond butter. I found this one by Erica at the thevanityeffect.com, and it was a hit. I'm retyping it since I made some minor changes. I used a larger pan, and made Pumpkin Bars, and our brownie-loving friends devoured them.

Paleo Pumpkin Bars

1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup almond butter (I used creamy)
1/2 cup honey
2 eggs
1/2 cup chocolate chips (organic are better)
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp Chinese five-spice blend (that's what I had; you could also use pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg or just use the cinnamon)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Beat eggs and honey together; beat in pumpkin puree and almond butter. Add remaining ingredients, and pour into a 9x13" pan. Bake 20-25 minutes, until they test done. Allow to cool and cut into squares. To be fancy, you could frost with some coconut cream or "cheat" with some real whipped cream, but they are excellent plain. 

Please note that these are quite different from Hilary's Pumpkin Bars, which are made with coconut flour. Those are yummy too! Try both and have a Pumpkin-Bar-Off. Sounds like a good party idea.