Fall Flavors: Irresistible Recipes and Treats for September
As the crisp autumn air begins to settle in and the leaves start to turn vibrant shades of orange and gold, it’s the perfect time to embrace the cozy and comforting flavors of fall. September is the gateway to the season of pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, and hearty comfort foods. Whether you’re looking to update your menu with seasonal recipes or just want to indulge in some fall-themed treats, here’s a roundup of must-try fall flavors and recipes to celebrate the start of the season.
Pumpkin Spice Everything
When it comes to fall flavors, pumpkin spice is the reigning champion. It’s the quintessential autumn flavor that makes everything feel warm and cozy. Start your day with a homemade pumpkin spice latte or add a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice to your morning coffee. For a more substantial treat, try making pumpkin spice muffins or pumpkin bread. These recipes are easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Recipe Idea: Pumpkin Spice Muffins
- Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, ¼ tsp salt, 1 cup canned pumpkin, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fill muffin cups and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Apple Cinnamon Delights
Apple cinnamon is another fall flavor that’s hard to resist. The combination of tart apples and sweet cinnamon creates a comforting aroma and taste that’s perfect for September. Consider making apple cinnamon pancakes for a delightful breakfast or bake a classic apple pie to share with loved ones. Apple cinnamon rolls are also a fantastic option for a sweet treat that’s perfect with a cup of coffee.
Recipe Idea: Classic Apple Pie
- Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup unsalted butter, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, 6 cups peeled and sliced apples, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- Instructions: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Roll out half of the dough and fit it into a pie dish. In another bowl, toss apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Pour filling into the crust. Roll out the remaining dough and place over the filling. Seal edges and cut slits for steam to escape. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
Hearty Fall Soups
Fall is the ideal time to enjoy hearty soups that warm you from the inside out. Think creamy butternut squash soup, savory beef stew, or a spicy chili. These dishes are not only comforting but also perfect for meal prepping. Serve your soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side of homemade cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Recipe Idea: Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
- Ingredients: 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed, 1 onion, chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup coconut milk, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, salt and pepper to taste.
- Instructions: In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add butternut squash and cumin, and cook for a few minutes. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until squash is tender. Blend soup with an immersion blender or in batches until smooth. Stir in coconut milk, season with salt and pepper, and heat through before serving.
Fall-Themed Snacks
For those moments when you need a quick snack to satisfy your fall cravings, consider making some fall-themed treats. Apple cinnamon chips, pumpkin seeds, or caramel popcorn are easy to prepare and perfect for snacking. They also make great additions to any autumn gathering or as a fun treat for kids after school.
Recipe Idea: Homemade Caramel Popcorn
- Ingredients: 12 cups popped popcorn, 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, ¼ cup light corn syrup, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp baking soda, 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Instructions: Preheat oven to 250°F. Place popcorn in a large bowl. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt, and bring to a boil. Boil for 4-5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla. Pour caramel over popcorn and mix well. Spread popcorn on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
Cozy Fall Drinks
Embrace the fall season with cozy drinks that warm you up. Besides the classic pumpkin spice latte, consider trying a hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks or a spiced hot chocolate. These beverages are perfect for enjoying on a chilly evening or while snuggled up with a good book.
Recipe Idea: Spiced Hot Chocolate
- Ingredients: 2 cups milk, ¼ cup cocoa powder, ½ cup sugar, ¼ cup water, ¼ tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
- Instructions: In a saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and heat until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract before serving.
With these delicious recipes and ideas, you’re all set to embrace the flavors of fall and enjoy everything that September has to offer. From comforting soups to sweet treats and cozy drinks, Crossroads knows that with these fall-inspired delights you are sure to make the transition into autumn a tasty one!