2 versions Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix --- for Meri

If you've paid for this 'special international' spice they've been ripping you off.
I like the second version best. And you can use this with more than the 'pumpkin' version of squash. Sweet potatoes too.
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/five-spice-sweet-potato-pie


"Use this mixture in recipes that call for pumpkin pie spice. A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice that can be scaled to any size."
Pumpkin Pie Spice I
Yield 8 servings
http://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/20477/pumpkin-pie-spice-i/?mxt=t06rda

Ingredients
4 tablespoons ground cinnamon
4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
4 teaspoons ground ginger
3 teaspoons ground allspice

Directions
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Store in air tight container.




"This will make enough for one recipe of pumpkin pie. But you could increase amounts to keep a mix on hand. These spices added to a pumpkin pie make the dish as far as I am concerned."
Pumpkin Pie Spice II
http://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/20476/pumpkin-pie-spice-ii/

Ingredients
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions
In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. Store in an airtight container.

SKINNY MASHED SWEET POTATOES WITH PUMPKIN PIE SPICE AND CHILE

Mashed sweet potatoes made sweet and spicy with pumpkin pie spice and chile powder


SKINNY MASHED SWEET POTATOES WITH PUMPKIN PIE SPICE AND CHILE

http://simple-nourished-living.com/2012/03/skinny-mashed-sweet-potatoes-with-pumpkin-pie-spice-and-chimayo-chile-powder/
Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS
2 large sweet potatoes (about 1-1/2 pounds) peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons lowfat buttermilk
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon brown sugar
¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, or to taste *How to make your own.
⅛ teaspoon Chimayo chile powder or to taste (Try a pinch or two of cayenne if you don't have red chile powder)
Salt to taste


INSTRUCTIONS
In a steamer basket fitted over a large pot of boiling water, cook the sweet potatoes, covered, until they are tender when pierced with a knife, about 15 minutes. (Microwaving until tender works too)
While the potatoes are steaming, in a small saucepan, warm the buttermilk gently over very low heat. (Don't let it boil because it will curdle.)
Drain the potatoes and place them back in the pot. Add the warm buttermilk, orange juice, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, chile powder and salt and mash until smooth.
Taste and adjust seasonings.

COOK'S NOTES


Nutritional Estimates Per Serving (about ⅔ cup): 150 calories, 0 g fat, 34 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 3 g protein and 4 Weight Watchers PointsPlus Value

According to the cooking sources I checked, it's better to steam steam sweet potatoes, than boil them to prevent them from becoming water logged.

Some other yummy seasonings for sweet potatoes, I want to experiment with include: orange zest, pineapple, candied ginger, bourbon, chopped toasted nuts, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, ginger, lime, maple syrup, honey, lemon