pumpkin

Afghan Pumpkin

Afghan Pumpkin

I have a friend who live is a large city where ethic foods are more commonly found. Often she stops by an Afghan place that makes the most delicious pumpkin. When I think of pumpkin, I think of halloween carving and pies at Thanksgiving. It’s been an eye-opening experience to try pumpkin in any form. I will admit, I cheated in this recipe and used butternut squash as it was what I had on hand. The next time I make it, I’ll turn up the heat just a bit by adding a few more jalapeños.

Pumpkin Energy Bites

Pumpkin Energy Bites

Sugar is sugar is sugar. However, there are some sugars that are a bit more nutritive that others. Those from a natural source or from plants that have not been highly processed. Maple syrup, honey, and coconut sugar are some that have nutritive values. Xylitol is a wonder substitute in baking/cooking, with a glycemic index of 7. In the Paleo diet, both honey and maple sugar are allowed, while white sugar is a definite no, no. In these energy bites, maple sugar is used for the sweetener, but honey could be substituted. What I like about these energy bites, is they hold together well without being super sticky. I used a flax/chia seed mixture, since that’s what I had on hand.