‘Tis the season of sweater weather, falling leaves, jack-o’-lanterns, and pumpkin spice.

It’s fall, baby!

But, per usual, I’ve got to throw my own flavors into the mix. A new take on an old classic, this week’s recipe is a Healthy Pumpkin Tahini Bread that combines your favorite fall comforts with a creamy, middle eastern twist.

It’s easy. It’s healthy. And it’s delicious.

What more could you want?

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour of your choice

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 eggs whisked together

• 1/4-1/2 cup maple syrup (depending on desired sweetness)

• 1 tsp nutmeg

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/2 cup tahini

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

• 1/4 cup pepitas (to top)

Tahini — The Perfect Complement

Made from ground sesame seeds, tahini has a rich and nutty flavor that balances out the natural sweetness of the pumpkin bread and adds layer of depth to each bite. When baked, the tahini leaves each slice with a moist and smooth texture that’s impossible not to love.

With just one addition, you’ll change everything you thought you knew about pumpkin bread!

Seed Cycling Snack

The idea behind seed cycling is quite simple: while estrogen spikes during the follicular phase of your menstrual cycle (the first two weeks following your period) and progesterone rises during the luteal phase (the final two weeks leading up to your period), you can help balance your hormones by cycling through a diet of flax, pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds.

Follicular Phase (Days 1-14)

• 1-2 tbsp ground flaxseed

• 1-2 tbsp ground pumpkin seed

Luteal Phase (Days 15-28)

• 1-2 tbsp ground sunflower seeds

• 1-2 tbsp ground sesame seeds

As tahini is made from ground sesame seeds, it’s a perfect snack during your luteal phase. It contains high levels of zinc that can help with the formation of your corpus luteum, a temporary organ that produces progesterone in preparation for possible pregnancy.

Make It Your Own

I think it’s always important to remember that a recipe is simply a starting point — don’t be afraid to personalize and experiment!

Whether you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth or add a little crunch, there are plenty of delicious additions you can add to the mix.

Sunflower Seeds

If you want to kill two birds with one stone, add some sunflower seeds to satisfy your seed cycling routine. They are high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which can aid in progesterone production and estrogen detoxification.

Nuts

Whether it’s walnuts or pecans or almonds, adding some nuts to the recipe will bring a delicious crunch texture!

Cacao Nibs

You can swap them in for the chocolate chips or simply add them to the mix. Either way, cacao nibs are full of magnesium, antioxidants, and fiber, making them a great addition to each slice.

Dried Fruits

An awesome way to up the sweetness of the pumpkin bread without sacrificing the nutrition is by adding dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. Place all ingredients (besides chocolate chips and pepitas) in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine thoroughly.

3. Stir in chocolate chips.

4. Pour mixture into the prepared pan and smooth. Add pepitas onto the top.

5. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Slice and enjoy!