Cacao Pumpkin Oatmeal

I am surprised that I haven't posted a pumpkin oatmeal recipe yet! I swear I thought I did, but that it wasn't a cacao pumpkin one. Smart ass. Anyways, I googled "pumpkin" on my website and I couldn't find a pumpkin recipe! Even though I make this recipe all the time! It's the ultimate cozy oatmeal recipe! 

During this season, I steam a couple of pumpkins and then store it in the fridge so I always have some ready when I want to create a pumpkin-themed recipe. I try to avoid cans when I can for a few reasons. First, they consume more energy to produce than buying a fresh pumpkin. Second, waste. Third, not as fresh as homemade pumpkin puree or mashed pumpkin. Last reason, sometimes canned contain preservatives, and I'm not about that life. 

Cacao Pumpkin Oatmeal

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup mashed pumpkin*
• 1/2 cup rice milk or any plant-based milk (water is ok)
• 1.5 cups water
• 5 pitted dates
• dash of cinnamon
• pinch of ground ginger, allspice, ground cardamom
• 1 heaping tablespoon of cacao powder
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
• date syrup (or maple syrup) to taste

Steps

1. In a small saucepan boil the water and the milk
2. Add the oats and simmer
3. Add the cinnamon and other spices
4. When most of the water is absorbed, add in the dates
5. When ALL of the water is absorbed, turn off the heat
6. Add in the pumpkin, the ground flaxseeds, and the cacao powder and mix well
7. Add to a nice bowl and top with date syrup
8. Top with your favorites! I topped mine with dried cranberries, dark chocolate chips, coconut flakes, pecans, and date syrup.