Healthy pumpkin rice krispie treats

How was your Halloweekend, friends? Of course, this dastardly 2020 would be the year Halloween fell on a Saturday. I hope that no matter how unusual the program, you got to enjoy the flow.

I wanted to share these wholesome treats pre-festivities, but I just couldn’t get to it. Also, realizing I wasn’t going to manage even a quick post, it also hit me that the likelihood any friends would jump to make these pre-weekend were very slim. Chances are you too had your stockpile of treats ready and waiting for fun, safe alternatives, plus an extra stash of ‘just-in-case’ laid out across a table, planted in the ground, or prepped for a chute for traditional trick-or-treating. For us, this extra load meant special, aired-out snacks to divvy up among ourselves for months to come.

When you are past any sugar rushes that might have ensued, and ready for another easy, healthier take on a childhood favorite, there are a great go-to! Blend, mix, freeze, and slice. I love the whole grain comfort of puffed rice or millet over more refined cereal, but you can toss in whatever speaks to you. I love including psyllium (in this case, Organic India’s Orange or Cinnamon Spice Psyllium Pre & Probiotic Fiber) in both mixture and icing, but once again, you get to choose. Finally, speaking of icing, you can go with or without—it’s a true choose-your-own-adventure! I will say, however, that drizzing of runny frosting really does elevate a treat into a party.

I feel almost guilty saying so, but we had a really lovely Halloween. Less fanfare, more mellow, but truly a Halloweek! Chef F and I wore costumes nearly all week long. We went for a little jog in costume on Thursday; on Friday, we dressed up to deliver some fun boo bags on friends’ doorsteps; and Saturday…well, Halloween! We had one friend and his siblings come celebrate with a backyard Easter hunt styled trick-or-treat, before and after which we conducted pumpkin chemistry, played soccer and catch, and made a craft. That evening, another sweet friend came for a short, masked-and-costumed neighborhood walk, stopping at only a few houses where kind neighbors had prepared labeled bags of treats just for us. It was touching, heartwarming, and really fun. If it weren’t for the overarching circumstances creating a constant emotional cloud…I think it’s the kind of Halloween we’d choose, every year. I hope the holidays to come have that kind of quiet care and caring poured into them, for all of us. XO

Vegan Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats with Orange Psyllium Frosting

Makes 9 large treats

¼ Cup liquid coconut oil

½ Cup brown rice syrup or pure maple syrup
¼ Cup pumpkin puree
1 Tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 Tablespoon Organic India Orange Psyllium Pre & Probiotic Fiber

1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups puffed rice, or other whole grain, cereal

For the icing:

1 Cup powdered coconut sugar*
1 ½ Tablespoons ORGANIC INDIA Orange Psyllium Pre & Probiotic Fiber
1 ½ Tablespoons orange juice

*To make your own powdered coconut sugar, simply place 1 cup of coconut sugar and 2 teaspoons tapioca flour in a high-speed blender. Process until achieving a light, powdery consistency, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Line an 8-inch square pan or similar with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large saucepan, combine the coconut oil, brown rice or maple syrup, and pumpkin puree. Cook over medium heat until bubbling, then continue to cook 1-2 minutes, stirring to prevent burning. Remove from heat and stir in ORGANIC INDIA Orange Psyllium Pre & Probiotic Fiber and vanilla.

Add cereal and stir until evenly coated. Pour into prepared pan. Transfer to the freezer and let set for at least 45 minutes.

While mixture is setting, prepare the icing: in a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, Psyllium Pre & Probiotic Fiber, and orange juice. Stir, adding additional liquid if needed to achieve desired consistency. Drizzles over cooled pan, cut into squares and serve. Store in fridge or freezer.