5 Unexpected Pumpkin Spice Recipes

Summer’s rapidly drawing to a close and you know what that means?! It’s almost time for that enchanted season. And no, it’s not what you’re thinking. Soon we’ll be knee deep in PSS, aka Pumpkin Spice Season.

Something strange happens every year around this time. People become obsessed with pumpkin spice! But few know what it actually is. No, there’s no pumpkin in pumpkin spice. It’s composed of the spices you’d use when baking a pumpkin pie. Perhaps “pumpkin pie spice” would be a more appropriate moniker.

Pumpkin Spice Recipe (circa 1890s)

• 18 parts ground cinnamon
• 4 parts ground nutmeg
• 4 parts ground ginger
• 3 parts ground cloves
• 3 parts ground allspice

No need to make your own though. These days, you can buy pre-mixed containers of PS from the big spice manufacturers. Aside from them, everyone’s getting in on the PSS game. The candy guys, the cereal guys, the cookie guys, and even the fish bait guys! Yes, you can even buy pumpkin spice fish bait. It’s madness!

If you do happen to be a PS aficionado and can’t get enough of the stuff, here are five unexpected PS recipes for you to try.

Pumpkin Spice Soup

Sounds gross at first, but it’s really delicious and perfect for cool fall weather. The base is butternut squash and the creamy richness of this bisque-like soup warms the soul and nourishes the body. The PS adds the right amount of heat and flavor and rounds out this scrumptious dish beautifully. Serve with crusty bread.

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/259600/pumpkin-spice-butternut-squash-soup/

Pumpkin Spice Sweet Potato Casserole

Admittedly, sweet potatoes are orange and creamy just like pureed pumpkin, but keep reading… This yummy recipe is the epitome of autumn. Not only is the main ingredient a fall crop, but the rest of it screams cool weather fare. Things like gingersnaps, butter, and crushed pecans keep you cozy on dreary, blustery days. Add a toasted layer of marshmallows on top and you’ve achieved perfection.

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

You’ve heard of pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin spice tea, pumpkin spice cider, pumpkin spice beer, etc. Heck, you could add PS to practically any beverage and immediately improve its flavor. But, are you familiar with PSHC? Didn’t think so. A little shake of this super spice mix into your hot chocolate and you immediately have a mouth-watering drink at your disposal. Guaranteed to become your new favorite fall drink!

Pumpkin Spice Granola

Crisper weather means more time spent outdoors. There’s no better fuel for long fall walks than lovely granola. A couple baggies of this fabulous finger food and you have sufficient sustenance for hours of hiking.The great thing about granola is the countless combinations you can create. Sprinkle any of them with pumpkin spice and you’ve got a delightful treat on your hands!

Pumpkin Spice Frosting

The key to PS is making it readily usable for any and all fall dishes. The genius behind pumpkin spice frosting is that you can coat so many different foods with it. Cookies, cake, cupcakes, donuts, pancakes, waffles, pretzels, etc. The list goes on and on. Have a bowl of PS frosting handy at all times during the fall months. Delish!

Whether you’re a Pumpkin Spice fan or not, this spice mix becomes ubiquitous from September through the Christmas season. Embrace it and indulge, or learn to love it, for Pumpkin Spice Season is almost here!