The Joys of Canned Pumpkin

Haven't posted in a while, but I am still exercising.  I also am now trying to eat smarter, adding more fiber, fruits and veggies into my diet.  One of those veggies is canned pumpkin.  NOT pumpkin pie filling - 100% pure canned pumpkin, which is very low fat and high in fiber.

The amazing thing about canned pumpkin is that it's perfect for baking.  It can replace oil and eggs in a recipe.  If you're familiar with Hungry Girl, you know how she raves about it, and is always posting recipes and ideas of how to use it.  Some are kinda weird (pumpkin instead of refried beans in an enchilada?), but some are great! 

I may have mentioned before that if I deprive myself, I will go in the opposite direction and eat the worst possible foods (think greasy cheesesteak and fries...).  So, thanks to my friend Sharon who mentioned this recipe over the weekend, I made myself some low-fat chocolate cupcakes on Sunday.  Here's the extremely complicated recipe:

(1) Box of chocolate cake mix

(1) Can of 100% pumpkin puree (not pie filling)

Mix. Bake*. Eat. Yum!

*(350˚ for about 20 minutes)

I figured out the calories on livestrong.com.  Lots 'o carbs, but otherwise pretty good calorie and fat-wise:  183 calories / 3.6 g fat / 2.5 g fiber (5 pts on Weight Watchers).

These are actually very moist and pretty tasty!  I think they need a little spicing up, though, so I'm going to tinker with the recipe and try some variations with spices and maybe add some fruit.  Sharon said she's going to try it with a spice cake mix - that sounds awesome!  Maybe add some raisins, shredded carrots and a non-fat cream cheese icing; instant low-fat carrot cake!

My friend, Liz, also gave me a recipe for Squash Cheesecake Bars, which I'm going to try with the canned pumpkin as well.   Pumpkin cheesecake is so much more appealing than squash cheesecake... ick.

I think that these lower fat versions of some of my favorite goodies will help keep me on track!  Right after Thanksgiving.  Hey, I should be able to enjoy that day in its full-fat glory!

Happy Full-Fat Thanksgiving to you!!  

"Everything in moderation, including moderation."
~ Author Unknown