I’m deeply in love with pumpkin and all things pumpkin pie spice.  This is no secret.  I’m moony-eyed, dopey-faced, straight-up-gaga for it.

But I prefer my pumpkin spice fix without the fat, extra calories and weird chemicals that make me wonder if I’ll glow when I turn out the lights.

So instead of the pedestrian fast food latte or chain restaurant pancakes, I choose a healthier, homemade pumpkin spice fix by making Easy Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Breakfast. Yea, it’s kinda like having your cake and eating it, too — if your cake were made of yogurt and it was just the right size for one person, of course.

Easy Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Breakfast

What you’ll need:

1 container Greek yogurt, plain or vanilla.

1/2 teaspoon (or more!) Pumpkin Pie Spice  — recipe below

2 teaspoons organic pumpkin puree (unsweetened and unflavored)

1 tablespoon Wheat Germ

1/2 teaspoon organic ground flaxseed

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon pure maple syrup or brown sugar (or sugar substitute– if you haven’t read fellow Oatie Linda Bonvie’s post on aspartame, that is!)

Mix pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice and maple syrup or sweetener, if using, into yogurt, stirring well.  Mix in flaxseed.  Top with wheat germ.  Enjoy!

*I don’t add any sweetener or maple syrup when I make this recipe.  I use vanilla Greek yogurt, which I think is sweet enough, but if you use plain yogurt, it might be a bit tart.

**The pumpkin puree, along with the flaxseed and wheat germ add vitamins and fiber that yogurt lacks.  Plus, the nutty flavor of the wheat germ adds texture and crunch that will remind you of pie crust.  All in all, a very satisfying and very nutritious start to your day.

Make it a parfait!  Finely dice about 1/2 of a Granny Smith apple and dust with cinnamon (or if you’re like me, extra pumpkin pie spice.)  Alternate layers of the yogurt mixture with the apple, flaxseed and wheat germ, ending with the yogurt.  Enjoy!

Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix Recipe

3 tablespoons Wild Oats Organic Ground Cinnamon

2 teaspoons organic ground ginger

2 teaspoons organic ground nutmeg

1 ½ teaspoons organic ground cloves.

Mix the spices together in a small bowl.  Pour the mixture in a clean small jar or spice container Store in a cool dry place.