The Costco Find I’ve Been Reaching for Every Morning This Fall

I start every day with a high-protein smoothie; I have since March 2020 when I joined Body by Simone and began working out a bunch. And now that we’re well into fall (pumpkin season started in July, right?), I want something that’s equally filling and loaded with those delicious seasonal flavors. Enter: the pecan-pie smoothie, a blend of frozen cauliflower, pecans, cinnamon, hemp hearts, flax powder, almond milk, and vanilla protein powder. It’s a perfect jump-start to my day.

My new favorite recipe has since become a Groundhog Day-like staple in my mornings. I first made the hearty drink on a whim, to change up my routine flavor combos (spinach and berry felt too summery) and it was love at first sip. It’s quick to make; it takes me about three minutes to add the ingredients to the blender, and then another 30 seconds to blend. It’s satisfying, too — by adding the cauliflower, it not only makes the consistency thicker, but also adds a full serving of vegetables into my day.

The only problem with my new fall fave? Nuts — especially pecans — can be pricey. Even in the bulk section of the grocery store, they are fairly expensive! So after buying a second small bag of raw pecan halves (I was paying $8.99 for a 12-ounce bag!!), I knew I’d have to find a better way.

What do you do when your go-to smoothie requires a pricey nut? Skip the bulk section and head to the bulk store! During a recent Costco run, a display at the end of the aisle alerted me to the most yes-pe-can deal I’d seen: a 2-pound bag of Kirkland Signature Bulk Pecans for only $11.69! That’s roughly the cost of 1 pound at average grocery stores.

Buy: Kirkland Signature Pecan Halves, $11.69 for 2 pounds

In that moment, the prohibitive price of the iconic Texas nut became a non-issue. I promptly added a bag to my cart and have continued to do so. I keep the bag in my fridge and portion the nuts out whenever I need a scoop. While I’ve yet to explore other recipes and dishes that rely on pecans as a main ingredient, I think they’d make a great mix-in to your morning yogurt or oatmeal and a crunchy add-on to fluffy pancakes. 

What’s your favorite pecan-laden breakfast? Tell us in the comments below!