Ever since Starbucks’s iconic pumpkin spice latte (PSL) hit menus (or perhaps even for the reason that first pumpkin pie was baked?), pumpkin has virtually been the official taste of fall. So it wasn’t actually a shock that when September 1 rolled round, my social feeds began to tackle a markedly pumpkin-heavy tinge. Working example: this TikTok that basically captured the spooky season vibes.

Just a few weeks in the past, Steph Grasso, MS, RD, shared a pancake recipe that places a enjoyable fall spin on the usual dish—and packs dietary punch too. Not solely are her pumpkin pancakes seasonally applicable, however additionally they include 30 grams of protein, making them a robust breakfast possibility. As gastroenterologist Lisa Ganjhu, DO, beforehand informed SELF, protein helps enhance satiety, conserving you full (and from “consistently excited about lunch.”) Plus it has a number of different advantages, from serving to your muscle mass get well after a tricky exercise to supporting the expansion and restore of different physique cells. In reality, many specialists suggest consuming 20 to 30 grams of protein at breakfast alone. And the pumpkin itself brings so much to the desk: It’s full of fiber (which may help you poop higher and extra simply), vitamin C (which retains your pores and skin wholesome), and calcium (very important for bone energy).

With the leaves altering shade and the temperature dropping, I really feel more and more in want of a comfortable morning pick-me-up, so the pancakes sounded too appetizing to move on. Scanning the components listed within the caption of Grasso’s TikTok—1/3 cup pumpkin, two eggs, 1 cup oats, 1/3 cup cottage cheese, 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice—I noticed that the execution wouldn’t be robust, however I used to be a bit involved in regards to the remaining product. Pumpkin pie apart, I couldn’t consider any dishes I’ve ever made that known as for pumpkin, and I’ve by no means been that keen on cottage cheese (its chunky-yet-sludgy look and barely bitter odor has all the time been a turnoff.)

However by no means let it’s mentioned that I’m not keen to be transformed. Again in my kitchen, I measured out the components and added them to my meals processor. Hitting “Begin,” I watched because the spinning blades puréed all the pieces collectively to type a pale orange combination flecked with particular person oats and clumps of crushed pumpkin. Mentally, I in contrast it to the boxed pancake combine I knew and liked. Judging by visuals alone, the consistency appeared to take a look at, so I felt cautiously optimistic.