My dear pumpkin… It takes on so many forms, I’m in love with it. This is my favorite way to make it… Refined sugar-free but so delicious.

I’m adding this recipe for those who want to try it before pumpkin is gone. I’ve been eating pumpkin non-stop lately. It’s one of my favorites, in dishes, desserts, and purees.

I make pumpkin puree weekly, then use it in many things. If you’re wondering how I make it…

I finely chop 3 slices of pumpkin. I add enough water to a wide pan to cover half of the pumpkin. I add 4 dried apricots, chopped into small pieces. I also add a cinnamon stick. I cook it over low heat, adding the water. The apricots release their flavor into the water. Then, when the pumpkin has absorbed the water, it’s nicely cooked. I love it.

If you like, you can eat the pumpkin as a dessert, like in the picture below, or you can mash it with the dried apricots to make a puree.

Now, let’s get to the tart recipe…

For the base…

🔺 1 cup almonds (hazelnuts can also be used)

🔺 3 fleshy dried apricots, chopped into small pieces

🔺 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest and orange zest (www.naturelkadukkan.com) I love this combination in desserts, it’s delicious and easy to use, but grated orange and lemon zest will also work, of course 🙂

🔺 3 tablespoons carob extract, honey or other molasses can also be used.

🔺 1 tablespoon unsweetened peanut butter (tahini can be used instead if you don’t have peanut butter)

🔺 2 tablespoons chia seeds, gelled with 5 tablespoons of water. This provides the stickiness. Flax seeds can also be used.

I processed everything in a food processor, I leave it in a little longer so that the almond oil comes out. I stopped mixing once the dough reached the desired consistency, then kneaded it in a mixing bowl with the gelled chia seeds. Wetting my hands, I spread the mixture onto the bottom of the tart pan.

I then added the pumpkin puree I had prepared and kept in the refrigerator and put it back in the fridge. It will be ready to eat in an hour. It’s very delicious and very healthy. It’s also an energy booster. A great lifesaver before exercise, or with afternoon tea when your energy levels are low.