Snack Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Pudding

One of the fastest and easiest desserts when you're looking for something sweet in the evening is pudding. (You do have to allow for chill-time though, so you may want to plan ahead on this one.) Pudding is also relatively healthy, without a lot of sugar or fat - it's really just mostly milk. Add some pumpkin puree and you've got yourself a healthy, fall-flavored snack!

Pumpkin Pie Pudding

Ingredients:

2 cups organic milk
1 TB butter (optional)
4 TB light brown sugar
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
3 TB cornstarch
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Dash of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

•  Combine milk, 3 TB brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and butter (if using) in a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, just until hot to the touch.
• Place cornstarch in a small bowl, pour in 1/2 the hot milk mixture, and whisk vigorously until cornstarch is dissolved.
• Pour mixture back into saucepan, and return to heat. 
• Let mixture come almost to a boil, whisking frequently. Then lower heat to a simmer and cook, whisking constantly, until it begins to turn thick and shiny (about 5 minutes).
• Remove from heat, and stir in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.
• Pour into individual pudding cups or dessert bowls.  Put in refrigerator and chill for at least 2 to 3 hours. 
• Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired, and serve cold.