Hello and Happy Autumn! It is now the season of pumpkin spice EVERYTHING. Personally, I love pumpkin spice coffees and desserts as much as the next guy. Maybe even more than the next guy. However, I have noticed that, especially this year, it has taken over everything. There are pumpkin coffees, coffee creamers, breads, muffins, cakes, cookies, candles, air fresheners, Hershey Kisses®, even pumpkin spice Silk Milk®!
It’s like we can’t fully enjoy the wonders of autumn without pumpkin spice bombarding our senses. There are so many other wonderful flavors and scents that can represent autumn. Like apples and cinnamon and ginger and pecans. There’s warm vanilla and smooth caramel and pear. Now I bet some of you are thinking something like, “What? Pear! Has she lost her mind? That’s not an autumn scent.” Well I can assure you, I have not lost my mind. Just think about it: pear is a light and inviting scent. One that goes well with most spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, etc.). It really is perfect for the season. And of course there are the simple, yet warm and inviting scents of autumn woods, the light smoky-ness of burning leaves, and the deep calm of moist soil.
What has happened to these scents and flavors? As I said earlier, I do love pumpkin spice, but I enjoy a wide variety of scents throughout the season. Also, I wouldn’t want to just make pumpkin pie, cake muffins and cookies. I love an apple pie in autumn because the apples are at their best, and you can dress it up more with some caramel, different spice variations, and you can make it festive with a turkey or cutout leaves to put on the crust. There are so many varieties of cookies and cakes and drinks. Warmed spiced apple cider and hot teas are some of my personal favorite drinks. I always enjoy an apple pie and I also love having simple cookies with cinnamon and/or ginger. If you love to try recipes with a fancy look and name you could try a maple cheesecake with roasted pears. I found this on Martha Stewart’s website and thought it looked delicious. http://www.marthastewart.com/274993/fall-harvest-desserts#329044
So my whole point in this rant is to inspire you to broaden your horizons, and try your nose and taste buds at something new. Keep your pumpkin spice, but don’t eat and smell just that. Please, please, please branch out from your norm and comfort zone and try just one thing different this year. Also, I would love to hear about your autumn favorites. Drinks, desserts, and scents. I hope you enjoyed my suggestions! I can’t wait to read yours.
French Cuffs and Fudge Rolls 