Did you know that the Thorold Lions will be selling pumpkins for only $5 on Saturdays in October? Yes, that’s a great value, and it’s $5 for any size pumpkin. Not only can you carve up the pumpkin for a fun jack-o-lantern during the Halloween season, but here is an idea to enjoy the nutritional benefits of the gourd. Before you squash this idea, check out the recipe for Thorold Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies. It all starts with a locally sourced pumpkin from the Thorold Lions Club, set up under the tent at the corner of Sullivan Avenue & Pine Street (near John’s Meat Shop) from 9 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays in October.
Vegan breakfast cookies packed with pumpkin and anti-inflammatory ingredients
(NC) It’s pumpkin season, and these delicious cookies, which are high in soluble fibre, omega-3 fatty acids and protein will keep you satisfied for hours.
Soluble fibre plays a role in lowering inflammation, stabilizing blood sugar, reducing cholesterol levels and supporting overall gut health, say dietitians at Arthritis Society Canada. Chia and flax seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which may aid in lowering inflammation and improving cardiovascular health.
Pumpkin protein breakfast cookies
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
• 3 cups (270 g) old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup (240 g) peanut butter (nut butter or alternative)
• 1 cup (236 ml) pumpkin puree, canned
• ½ cup (87.5 g) chopped dates or (79.5 g) raisins
• ¼ cup (40 g) chia seeds
• ¼ cup (34 g) ground flax
• ¼ cup (59 ml) maple syrup
• 1 tsp (4.9 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 tsp (2.76 g) cinnamon
• ½ tsp (1.1 g) ground cloves
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325° F (163°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together until well combined.
3. Shape dough into 12 large balls and flatten with the palm of your hand.
4. Bake for 15 minutes. Allow to cool for 30 minutes and serve.
5. Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Tips:
• Add some chocolate chips or coconut flakes for extra crunch and flavour.
• Make a batch of these cookies and freeze them for later. Store up to one month in the freezer