Pumpkin Spice For Life

Bring On Fall

It’s THAT time you guys.  The Pumpkin Spice Latte (or PSL to us devoted fans) is available as of August 28th! Which means you are either jumping for joy or rolling your eyes.  As you might have guessed by the title, I am the former. 

Jumping for JOY.  

My Little Pumpkin

To further explain my love of Pumpkin Spice, here are a few things to know about me.  For my daughter’s first halloween at around 6 weeks old, I dressed her up as a pumpkin.  More specifically, THE pumpkin in my Pumpkin Spice Latte.  I wore her in my baby carrier that I decorated as a Starbucks coffee cup.  Her first birthday theme was none other than Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice.  I have multiple Pumpkin Spice t-shirts.  I get giddy while waiting in line for the first PSL of the season.  Furthermore, I always take a photo of it.  I will capitalize Pumpkin Spice because in my mind, it most definitely is a proper noun.  I love it and I have zero shame about it!

It’s not only that I think the flavor combination is delicious, it’s more about the season itself.  It’s what this little (or who am I kidding…HUGE) cup of coffee represents to me.   I am, without a doubt, a fall fanatic.  I always have been and always will be.  The colors of fall are comforting, warm and inviting.  The weather is more bearable at least, and on some days it’s simply divine.  The aromas of fall trigger thoughts of an exciting new school year, of coffee brewing, leaves changing, and the beginning of the season full of family, love, gratitude, and hope.  Autumn, to me, is a big hug. 

PSL

The Pumpkin Spice combination of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and other aromatics perfectly hits the spot.  It’s a little spicy, a little sweet, and a lot delicious.  Even though I don’t appreciate the massive amounts of sugar and unrecognizable ingredients in the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte, I will undoubtedly hit up Starbucks at least a few times to indulge this time of year.  I’ve got to give them credit for making Pumpkin Spice what it has become today. 

Over the years, as I’ve strived to get healthier bit by bit, I’ve found myself trying to recreate some of my favorite store bought delights at home.  When you have an obsession but don’t want to put on 20lbs and put a dent in your bank account, you’ve got to find another way.  So yes, I’ve found a few tried and true recipes that I absolutely love and that are *almost* as good as their original counterparts.   They are most definitely healthier.

This doesn’t stop with coffee.  As I’m sure you’ve noticed, Pumpkin Spice is everywhere.  If there is a food product with a flavor to be had, it now probably has a Pumpkin Spice option.  Even I can admit that in some cases, this has gone too far.  I do not want pumpkin spice jell-o or pumpkin spice chips.   You can keep your pumpkin spice deodorant, even if it is aluminum free.  And for the love of all things pumpkin, whoever created the Pumpkin Spice Peeps (yes the Easter candy) is just plain confused.  Big fat NOPE. 

Some ideas though?  Simply brilliant.  Certain things were just meant to be married to Pumpkin Spice.  I certainly can’t take credit for coming up with these ideas, but I’m happy to share what I’ve found to be positively scrumptious.  So without further delay, here are my favorite Pumpkin Spice recipes that you can make at home.

Favorite Recipes

Pumpkin Spice Latte:  
For a crowd  : Perfect for a girls night
Healthy / Paleo / Vegan Version : Hello #whole30 friends!
Just the Creamer: Delicious, and made right at home. 

Waffles: 
Healthy/Paleo: the kiddos will definitely want seconds
Easy : Yum

Pancakes: 
Healthy/Paleo : Every fall weekend should start with these. 
Easy: Pumpkin spice and everything nice. 

Pumpkin Bread with Einkorn Flour : Make a batch for your family and your neighbors. 

2 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Muffins : So easy! 

Pumpkin Spice Honey Butter : drool-worthy way to eat your toast for breakfast

Pumpkin Spice Whip Dip : perfect for entertaining

Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie : perfect transition from summer to fall!

Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats : make ahead breakfast for easy mornings 

Pumpkin Spice Cookies : great to bake with your kiddos! 

 

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

1 COMMENT

  1. I am a pumpkin spice fan also! I order the pumpkin spice chai tea latte….with two pumps of PS and coconut milk. It kind of tastes like a thai tea. Super delicious.

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