From our food contributor, Diana Bauman.
In the Midwest, the fall is probably the most stunning time of year.
The weather has cooled to a relaxing temperature and the vibrant colors of reds, yellows, and oranges are emerging in the canopy of trees while slowly taking their turn fading to brown and falling, one leaf at a time, to the ground below.
It’s brilliant, heartwarming … comforting.
Of course, when the change in creation starts to become evident that yes, fall is here, it also signals to every woman that it’s time to pull out boots, scarves, chunky sweaters, and leggings.
Yes, I love the fall.
It’s also during this time of year that I’m sure every stew, soup, and treat is filled with pumpkin.
Oh yes, I love to incorporate pumpkin into my dishes during this season and with the farmers market still open for another month, I’ll usually buy about 6-8 pumpkins and keep them in the coolest part of my home where they’ll last me into the winter.
Pumpkin bars in January, oh yeah, stocking up is worth it!
With everything pumpkin during this time of year, of course one is going to need pumpkin pie spice.
Now, one thing, pumpkin pie spice does not have pumpkin in it.
Instead, it’s called pumpkin pie spice simply because it’s the blend of spices that is traditionally used in pumpkin pies.
The spice blend can vary by brand but it’s usually a mixture of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg.
Me, I like to add a bit of cardamom as well.
I’m sure many of you may be thinking, why make your own when you can buy it already blended.
Well, you can make a bigger batch for less money and you can grind your own nutmeg and cinnamon for an even brighter flavor profile.
One of my favorite things about making my own spice blends is that I can also add or omit spices just like the addition of cardamom in this recipe.
The pumpkin pie spice is very versatile.
You can, of course, use it to spicen up your pumpkin pies, to sprinkle onto roasted pumpkin and other squashes, to incorporate into pumpkin custards, or to sprinkle onto coffee.
Really, you can use it in so many ways. So, this year, why don’t you give homemade pumpkin pie spice a try.
I’m sure you’ll love to have it on hand during this comforting time of year.
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
Author: Diana Bauman
Pumpkin pie spice is a simple combination of sweet smelling spices including cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom.
- 2 tbls ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- In a small bowl, Mix all spices together and store in an air tight container for up to one year.
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Have you ever made your own homemade pumpkin pie spice? Tell me, what kind of dishes do you like to add pumpkin pie spice into?
Other great things for Fall
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