Ingredients

Preparation

Combine the maple and brown sugar oatmeal and 1/2 cup of vanilla soy milk in a small bowl. Place in the microwave for 2 minutes.

Combine the oatmeal, pumpkin purée, whey protein powder (if used), ice cubes, maple syrup and all the spices in a blender. Blend all the ingredients for about 2 minutes.  While the mixture is blending, add the remaining vanilla soy milk. The consistency of the smoothie should be smooth and creamy.

You'll get about a yield of 3-3/4 cups. Pour into 4 glasses.

Finish with a cocktail drink umbrella for decoration if you like.

Enjoy!

Tips

You can find whey protein powder in health food stores like GNC, or many supermarkets like Whole Foods. I like using protein powder as a supplement for my husband, who's a vegetarian! Just make sure the protein source is clearly labeled.  You should get either whey or soy protein.  If the source is unclear, it is very likely that the protein is derived from remnant animal parts.

I use the Vitamix  blender. It's rather expensive but so worth it. I got it as a wedding gift, and it's really powerful. It crushes ice into sno-cones almost instantaneously. It's perfect for smoothies. Just make sure there is some amount of liquid so that the motor does not burn. Vitamix also carries an additional container just for dry ingredients.

I only mixed 4 spices that are Fall flavors. You can add any other typical Thanksgiving flavors that you like, such as allspice, mace or finely-powdered clove.

I use McCormick cinnamon and anise extracts. If you don't have any, you can use star anise seeds. Dry roast them and grind them finely in a mortar and pestle and do the same with cinnamon sticks.

I used a fine Microplane (spice grater) to grate the nutmeg.

For a vegan version, you can also use almond, potato or rice milk.