October is observed as Vegetarian Awareness Month, emphasizing the health benefits of including vegetarian meals regularly. October also celebrates other foods like – Apples, Cranberry, Pumpkin, Pasta, Oatmeal, and Chocolate.

In this October Nutrition blog, we give you 2 recipes using the seasonal and popular foods of the month – Pumpkin, Oatmeal, and Chocolate.

French Toast with Pumpkin

With Halloween month here, it is time to experiment with pumpkins. Here is a quick breakfast recipe with pumpkin, which also doubles as a quick snack just in case you want to savor the seasonal produce with healthy options.

Method:

• Take a large bowl and beat the eggs, spices, and pumpkin puree.
• Dip the bread slices in this pumpkin mix and coat it well on all sides.
• Heat a large skillet and melt some butter on medium or low heat.
• Place about 3 – 4 slices of the coated pumpkin bread in the skillet and cook until it is browned well. This must take around 3 minutes on each side of the bread on medium-high heat.

Note:

• You can drizzle some maple or chocolate syrup on top if required, but check the extra calories.
• If you want to make it more savory, add more spices like thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, or chili.

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Nutritional Facts: (for 1 serving)

• Calories – 237
• Protein – 14 g
• Carbohydrates – 25.7 g
• Fat – 9 g
• Dietary Fiber – 4.7 g

Instant Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

How good does it feel eating a chewy chocolate cookie that is healthy and can be made in just a few minutes! Make these unbaked chocolate oatmeal cookies whenever you crave sweetness. Indulge guilt-free in this healthy version of a chocolate cookie.

Method:

• Mix the butter, milk, and sugar in a kettle or pan. Cook or boil for one and half minutes.
• Add the oatmeal, peanut butter, cocoa powder, nuts, and coconut flakes to this mixture.
• Combine well. Drop on a butter paper or greased tray as smaller cookies. Allow it to cool before serving.

Note:

• Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a healthier version.
• Use low-fat milk and butter to reduce fat and calorie count.
• The nuts and coconut flakes are optional. Skip any of them or add other nuts of your choice.
• You can also spread the mix on a greased tray and cut it into shapes using a cookie cutter. Cool before serving.
• Though the recipe has healthy ingredients, it is better to eat limited quantities to avoid high calorie intake.

This recipe makes almost 48 cookies. One serving typically has 2 cookies, making this recipe for 24 servings.

Nutritional Facts: (for 1 serving – 2 cookies)

• Calories – 207
• Protein – 3.6 g
• Carbohydrates – 29.3 g
• Fat – 9.5 g
• Dietary Fiber – 2.1 g

Recipe idea and source – Allrecipes.com