When fall rolls around, it becomes impossible to avoid all things pumpkin-flavored. Even Starbucks has jumped on board, adding actual pumpkin to their world-famous pumpkin spice latte, also known as the “PSL”. And while the market may become over-saturated with pumpkin, the key to making a smashing dish with this ever-popular ingredient is to stand out. To give your pumpkin item something with a little panache, a little oomph. The little something extra takes your pumpkin recipe and elevates above all others, winning at fall and championing the season.

And so may I present to you, the pumpkin pie smoothie. It wins above all other pumpkin smoothies this season – and possibly other pumpkin drinks, dare I say – because it has that little extra to take it to the next level. The key here is a healthy dollop of mascarpone cheese. If you aren’t familiar with mascarpone cheese, I say get thyself familiar with it. It is a luxurious ingredient typically found in tiramisu. Mascarpone is an Italian cheese somewhat distantly related to cream cheese. But to categorize it with cream cheese is unfair to mascarpone, it is so much more than cream cheese. It is rich and buttery, soft and perfect in so many different dishes. In this smoothie, it adds a richness and a heft.

Like any other smoothie, you’ll combine it in a blender along with some pumpkin puree, banana, a little agave for sweetness and, of course, graham crackers. Pumpkin pie is not pumpkin pie without graham crackers. It’s the ideal, healthy yet decadent fall drink for those people who love pumpkin season. For those who don’t find it annoying or too long or for those who share Game of Thrones “Pumpkin Season is coming” memes.

Enjoy this smoothie at breakfast, or for breakfast.