1. There are plenty of versions out there, but Caroline’s Pumpkin Granola on Chocolate & Carrots caught my eye because of the a) healthy ingredients and b) gorgeous clumps of golden-orange oat clusters.
Subtly sweet and warmly spiced, this granola didn’t last long! I could not keep my hands out of the jar.
Oh, and a quick FYI: I choose to store dried fruit separately from granola in order to keep it extra crunchy. Whenever I grab a handful or pour a bowlful of the granola, I just toss in some raisins and/or dried cranberries along with it.
Delish!
2. Elle – from Elle’s New England Kitchen – posted a recipe for Espresso Pumpkin Spiced Walnuts a little while ago, and I wasted no time making these ridiculously addictive nuts.
I sprinkled in some extra pumpkin pie spice (because I’m obsessed) and the resulting sweet, crunchy, and spicy nuts were even better than I had anticipated!
Most were consumed straight outta hand, but I reserved some for sprinkling over salads and oatmeal.
3. Jaclyn, who writes a new favorite blog of mine, food + words, came up with a very creative take on slaw: Apple & Pear Slaw with Caramel Cider Vinaigrette.
I really enjoyed this creative recipe! The caramel flavor isn’t so distinctive that the slaw tastes like dessert, but it adds a delicious sweetness to the apples and pears.
Don’t like cabbage and/or mayo? Try this seasonal fruit slaw instead.
4. I also recently made this Pumpkin Cinnamon Applesauce from The Novice Chef.
I used closer to 2 lbs apples (organic Honey Crisps), subbed in apple cider for the water, and added in 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice.
This pumpkin applesauce – which has no added sugar – is amazing!! I will definitely be making it over the course of the next few months… as well as years to come.
Stop on by tomorrow for a candy bar-inspired cookie recipe =).
