Fall is my favorite season. I go around at this time of year searching for signs that it is indeed on its way. This leaf proves that it is coming to my world. Other signs… College football takes up all day Saturday. We follow Duke, Tennessee, Nebraska, and Appalachian State University around here. Duke is having the best season so far. The Vols and the Huskers are struggling. (logos from the colleges’ websites)
The sky here becomes the bluest of blues. And it is just brighter and clearer.
It is less humid. Temperatures are still in the 80’s, but it cools off into the 70’s or even the 60’s now. Our front porch gets the full force of the piedmont North Carolina afternoon sun. Adorable Granddaughter even declares it too hot in the summer, but today we had some porch fun with sidewalk chalk.
And one of my favorite flavors is everywhere… Pumpkin spice. Yes, some think that it is vastly over done. And yes, that is probably true. Even if you don’t care for the taste (weird!), how can you not just love the smell? Bruegger’s Bagels has Pumpkin Spice coffee. it smells heavenly and tastes great as well.
I’ve only had two cups so far. I waited until the first day of fall, September 22, to have my first sip. I do have standards. They also have a pumpkin spice bagel. They were sold out the first time I tried to buy one, but I am persistent.
Enjoy the classic flavor of pumpkin pie with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg with our seasonal Pumpkin Spice coffee – for a limited time only!
Harris Teeter grocery store is in the same shopping center as Bruegger’s so I decided to stop in and see what seasonal goodies they have to offer.
Thirsty? Got it covered.
How about some cream for that coffee?
Craving pumpkin spice at breakfast time? Cereal, anyone? Hot or cold.
Cereal bars more your style?
Or maybe cinnamon pumpkin spice rolls or pancakes?
Snack time?
And last but not least, in case your pie needs some spicing up…
The magazines are covered with beautiful photos and ideas.
Son #1 shares my obsession. My pumpkin spice candle is his current favorite.
I made the Land o’Lakes pumpkin muffins a second time, to take to my faculty buddies and for Son #1. He was supposed to take some to his faculty colleagues, but I don’t think that those muffins made it to school. Just call it mother’s intuition.
Next up? Scones!
PUMPKIN SCONES
Adapted from Genius Kitchen
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
- 4 tablespoons caster (superfine) sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned, frozen or fresh)
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 1 -2 teaspoon of pumpkin spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves- I used 1-1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp nutmeg)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon milk, for brushing tops of scones
- Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling tops, if desired
Genius Kitchen suggests serving the scones with honey butter. Not a bad idea!
Bon appétit and happy first week of fall! May we all work together to make this world a safe place for women. Shame on the people who do not take sexual abuse seriously. Is it no wonder women are afraid to speak out? Can we just not work together to make this world safe for all instead dividing everything down party lines?
the sabbatical chef 
love this article! you are a great writer 🙂
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Thank you, Paige! You are very kind!
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