I’d probably get some serious side eye from Starbucks patrons for saying this around this time of year, but I am not a fan of pumpkin spice. As a matter of fact, the hype surrounding the excessively popular fall flavour really bugs me, not only because it’s a fad that I find more than a bit ridiculous, but because it totally overshadows other equally delicious fall flavours. Fall food is comfort food, and comfort doesn’t always have to include pumpkins. Save them for the Jack-o-Lanterns. In the meanwhile, check out these *pumpkin free* fall eats.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider
While everyone else is sipping on PSLs, I’d much rather be curled up by the TV with a hot steaming mug of hot apple cider. This twist on the traditional drink from The Recipe Rebel packs a sweet punch with just the right amount of spice on cold autumn evenings. Cider warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for this time of year.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
It always baffles me why caramel isn’t the talk of the town during the fall season. Adapted from a Paula Deen recipe, blogger Christy Denney’s version of these caramel cheesecake bars is a great fit for all occasions where dessert is in order. With over one millions pins on Pinterest, these sweet treats are a proven hit.
Chicken Salad With Apples and Cashews
If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then fall is the healthiest time of year. Apples are in season, fresh and crisp, so why not toss one in your lunch, or even better, incorporate them into a dish? Normally delegated to dessert, apples are more diverse than we give them credit for, as demonstrated by Five Heart Home’s chicken salad that puts them in the spotlight that they deserve.
Maple Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash
When I was younger, I hated squash, and looking back on it now, I don’t know what was wrong with me. Squash is a fantastic fall staple, even if it requires a little bit of extra effort to peel and prepare. I love squashed cooked with just a touch of sweetness like in this recipe from Life Made Sweeter. It makes a great side dish, plus it’s dead simple to make.
Butter Pecan Cookies
One of the things that I love the most about fall is that it becomes socially acceptable to eat an excessive amount of nuts. Pecans are probably the most popular nut this time of year and they deserve to shine. From salads to pie to French toast, pecans can be worked seamlessly into every meal. I find certain pecan desserts a bit heavy for my taste, but Bake Bellissima’s butter pecan cookies are a great way to enjoy pecans without being overwhelmingly sweet or filling.
With so many delicious autumn flavour, why let pumpkin spice steal the whole spotlight?
