In The Community
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on UnsplashIf you love warm, spiced apples, this oatmeal bake is going to be your new fall breakfast go-to. It’s hearty and flavorful, and it won’t take much effort at all. You’ll need:
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 2 cups milk (or almond milk)
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Once you have everything, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, get to mixing the oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix milk, maple syrup, and vanilla, and stir in the chopped apples. Mix the dry ingredients with the wet ones until they’re combined and pour it into a greased baking dish. Finally, bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden.
Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Photo by Ella Olsson on UnsplashSweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized, these maple-roasted sweet potatoes are the ultimate fall side dish. You’ll need:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat your oven to 400°F and then start by tossing the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet, making sure they’re not all on top of one another. Roast them in the oven for 25–30 minutes, and flip them halfway through. They’ll look nice and golden when they’re done, and they go well with roasted meats, salmon, and more, if you like to have something sweet with your meals.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Photo by Storiès on UnsplashThese cranberry brie bites are perfect for a fall appetizer or snack. They’re flaky, cheesy, and just the right amount of tangy-sweet. You’ll need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought is easiest!)
- 1 wheel of brie, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
As always, start by preheating the oven, this time at 375°F and lightly grease a mini muffin tin. Then, roll out the puff pastry and cut it into small squares to fit each muffin cup. Press the pastry into the muffin cups, then add a cube of brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and bubbly, and sprinkle some fresh rosemary on top. This is quite the fancy little treat, so it’s good for a nice dinner or whenever you want to feel high-end.
Spiced Pear Crisp
Photo by charlesdeluvio on UnsplashIf you love apple crisp, you’ll go wild for this spiced pear version. It’s simple and sweet, so it can turn into a go-to fall dessert or snack. You’ll need:
- 4 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup melted butter
You already know it: preheat your oven to 350°F. Start by tossing the pear slices with cinnamon, ginger, and half the brown sugar. In a separate bowl, mix the oats, flour, remaining sugar, and melted butter to make the crumble topping. Then, spread the pears in a baking dish and sprinkle the crumble mixture over the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. If you want to take it up a notch, you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Heaven!
Cheddar & Herb Biscuits
Photo by Alyson McPhee on UnsplashOkay, so not everything has to be sweet. If you prefer savory treats, these fluffy cheddar and herb biscuits will be perfect for you. They only take a few minutes and you can enjoy them on their own or have them with virtually any kind of soup. You’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
- 3/4 cup milk
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Then, start cooking by mixing the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is nice and crumbly, then stir in the cheese and herbs. Finally, add the milk and mix until everything is combined. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden. They’ll be perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside!
Caramel Apple Nachos
Photo by Ripley Elisabeth Brown 🧿 ៚ on UnsplashIf you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to bake, caramel apple nachos are the perfect compromise. They’re fun to make, and everyone loves them. You’ll only need:
- 3 apples, sliced
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips, melted
- Chopped nuts or granola for topping
This is very easy, you just have to arrange the apple slices on a large plate or platter, then drizzle them with the caramel and melted chocolate. Top it off with nuts or granola to add a little crunch and that’s it! You might want to make a big batch cause you won’t be able to get enough.
So there you have it—6 easy and delicious fall recipes for anyone who’s not feeling the pumpkin craze. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet pear crisp, or some savory snacks, these recipes will give you all the fall feels without having to mess with a single pumpkin.
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The Origin of Pumpkin Spice: A Little History Lesson
Photo by Bradyn Shock on UnsplashPumpkin spice didn’t just fall out of the autumn sky and into our lattes—its roots go way back. The original "pumpkin spice" blend has been around for centuries as a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves (sometimes allspice, too). These spices were used in baking and were especially popular in fall desserts, like—you guessed it—pumpkin pie.
It wasn’t until the early 2000s that the flavor combo made its way into the mainstream, thanks to a little drink called the Pumpkin Spice Latte (or “PSL” for the superfans) from a certain coffee giant. Starbucks launched the PSL in 2003, and what started as a seasonal experiment quickly turned into a full-blown craze. People went wild for the mix of espresso, steamed milk, and pumpkin pie spices, topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. Fast forward to today, and pumpkin spice isn’t just a drink—it’s a cultural phenomenon.
So, why do we love pumpkin spice so much? Well, there’s more to our obsession with it than just flavor.
It Tastes of Nostalgia
Photo by Heidi Kaden on UnsplashPumpkin spice brings us back to cozy fall memories. The spices used in the blend—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—are the same ones used in holiday baking, so when we sip a pumpkin spice latte or bite into a pumpkin muffin, it instantly triggers those warm, fuzzy feelings of autumns past. It’s like taking a bite out of your favorite childhood memory of Thanksgiving dinner or baking with family.
It’s Seasonal (and We Love Limited-Time Treats!)
Photo by Olha Maliar on UnsplashPart of the reason pumpkin spice is so popular is that it’s only around for a few months out of the year. That limited-time availability creates a sense of urgency—when it’s PSL season, you know you only have so long to enjoy it. It’s kind of like the McRib of fall but, you know, tastier. The scarcity factor makes us want it even more!
It’s Warm and Cozy in a Cup (or Snack)
Photo by CURVD® on UnsplashFall is all about getting cozy, and pumpkin spice is basically the flavor version of a big, fuzzy blanket. The blend of spices is warming, soothing, and comforting. Whether it’s in a hot latte, a muffin, or even a candle, it’s the perfect thing to enjoy when the weather starts cooling down. We’re all just trying to get those hygge vibes, and pumpkin spice delivers that in every sip or bite.
It’s Everywhere—And We Mean Everywhere
Photo by Ashley Kruse on UnsplashPumpkin spice has gone way beyond just lattes. These days, you can find it in everything from cereals to creamers, candles to cookies, and even beers and spirits. There’s pumpkin spice popcorn, pumpkin spice ice cream, and even pumpkin spice dog treats! When something is this widespread, it’s hard not to get caught up in the trend. Once fall hits, pumpkin spice just becomes part of the atmosphere.
It’s Instagram-Friendly
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on UnsplashLet’s be real—half the fun of pumpkin spice is snapping that perfect Instagram shot. The orange hues, the whipped cream peaks, the dusting of cinnamon—it all makes for a great photo op. When you grab your PSL or pumpkin spice donut, you’re not just indulging in a seasonal treat, you’re also part of the online celebration of fall.
Some Pumpkin Spice Foods and Drinks You’ve Gotta Try
Photo by Diana Polekhina on UnsplashWhile the Pumpkin Spice Latte is the OG, there are so many pumpkin spice treats to explore. Here are a few that should definitely be on your fall bucket list: pumpkin spice muffins, pumpkin spice pancakes, pumpkin spice popcorn, pumpkin spice beer… Okay, take a shot for every time we’ve said “pumpkin spice.” Just kidding, we don’t want to be responsible for alcohol poisoning cases!
So, there you have it—pumpkin spice is not just a popular flavor, it’s a whole mood. From its humble beginnings as a pie spice to its current reign as the king of fall treats, pumpkin spice has earned its place as the official flavor of the season. Whether you’re sipping on a PSL or enjoying a pumpkin spice snack, you’re getting a little taste of fall magic with every bite. Now, go get your pumpkin spice fix before the season is over!
Avocado toast with some Latino flair
Photo by Fernanda Martinez on UnsplashYou know how you always top your avocado toast with all but the bagel seasoning? Well, it could be time to get more creative, the Latino way. Think mashed avocado seasoned with lime juice, sea salt, and cilantro, topped with grilled corn, crumbled queso fresco, and a drizzle of spicy chipotle aioli. If you’re feeling fancy and want to make it extra delicious, make sure your bread is artisanal and toast it for a nice crunch.
Chipotle chicken tacos with mango salsa
Photo by Jeremy Jenum on Flickr
Ugh, mango salsa is top-tier! It’s also a super easy way to upgrade your tacos and make them a bit more complex with the flavor of the mango. Mango salsa goes particularly well with chipotle chicken. Chicken thighs are recommended because they’re juicier and a classic chipotle marinade will do the trick. For the mango salsa, you just need some diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. It’s really that simple!
Quinoa-stuffed bell peppers
Photo by Mark Bonica on Wikimedia Commons
Stuffed bell peppers are a Mexican staple and they’re usually stuffed with rice and ground beef. Using quinoa instead is the modern twist, you just need to make sure it has that Latino flavor. Spice your quinoa with cumin, paprika, and oregano, then mix it with black beans and corn. Stuff the bell peppers with the delicious mixture, sprinkle them with cheese and bake until tender for a nutritious and delicious meal. Also, add a little cilantro before serving!
Plantain nachos
Photo by labodeguitademima on Instagram
If you’ve ever had plantain chips, you already know how well they can work for nachos. Switching things up from time to time keeps things fresh, so replace your regular tortilla chips with plantain chips when you make your next batch of nachos. Layer the plantain chips with seasoned black beans, melted cheese, diced avocado, jalapeños, and a drizzle of tangy salsa verde. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a good amount of sour cream!
Ceviche tostadas with tropical fruit salsa
Photo by Los viajes del Cangrejo on Flickr
Making crispy tostadas with ceviche is a great way to enjoy this staple. Usually, ceviche is enjoyed with chips, crackers, or plantain chips for that Caribbean twist. However, tostadas are a great way to go. You can make this simple yet flavorful dish even better by adding a tropical fruit salsa made with diced pineapple, mango, jalapeño, and lime juice. Garnish with avocado slices to elevate your tostadas even more!
Chimichurri grilled steak salad
Photo by Leonardo Luz on Pexels
Argentinian chimichurri should be your go-to for grilled steak and barbecued food in general cause it goes well with chicken, chorizo, pork, and even fish. Instead of having your steak as usual, why not make a salad with it? You just have to slice the beef and put it over a bed of mixed greens. Add cherry tomatoes, red onion, and roasted bell peppers to take it up a notch. Don’t forget to add an extra chimichurri drizzle on top for extra zest and flavor.
Coconut-lime flan
Photo by Max Griss on UnsplashNo meal is complete without dessert, right? Now, you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to Latino desserts. Tres leches cake, alfajores, and churros are only a few options. If you’re feeling something smooth and creamy, a coconut-lime flan will blow your socks off. The custard mixture only requires coconut milk, condensed milk, eggs, and lime zest. Bake until set, then chill and serve the flan topped with toasted coconut flakes. Every bite will be heaven!
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