Because Pumpkin Spice Is Overrated

As soon as the temperature dips even half a degree below 80, Fall begins (or so Pinterest tells us).

Doormats slide out with the phrase, “Happy Fall, Y’all,” written in a quirky script font, and Pumpkin Spice finds its way into every creamer, ice cream, cookie, candle, scented sticker, and room freshener.

How else would we know and celebrate the coming of cooler weather?

If you’re a Pumpkin Spice fanatic, we won’t belittle your obsession with the most polarizing fall flavor of all time (except for maybe black licorice – WHO EATS THAT?).

In truth, Pumpkin Spice is aromatic, deep, and rich with a sweetness our crew can’t deny. So yeah, we understand and give it the respect it deserves.

But!
Dare we say it?

Pumpkin Spice might be a tad overrated.

As in, there is more to Fall than meets your pumpkin-loving taste buds.

Before all you PSL advocates unite against us, would you take a few minutes to review a few of our tasty alternative suggestions?

After all, if you’re a true pumpkin lover, we know your love of Fall surpasses the orange gourd. At the core of it all, you’re probably an Autumn lover. With that in mind, we expect you’ll be excited to experience – or even – pair some new flavorings with your time-tested, beloved Pumpkin Spice.

At least, we hope so.

And, if you’re one of those people who dare not whisper your utter distaste for the Pumpkin Spice flavor, you’ll be more than a little excited to give these other autumnal flavors a taste.

Again, we don’t deny that Pumpkin Spice is a flavor worthy of your affection (and ours!), but there are so many flavor profiles to adore.

This Fall, explore everything the season offers and celebrate its variety by diving into these rich and nutritious Fall flavors.

9 Other Fall Flavors to Explore, Besides Pumpkin Spice

Fall Flavor #1: Sweet Potatoes

Did you know sweet potatoes are an autumnal delight, much like the pumpkin we hold so dear? Stocked with Vitamin A, it plays a crucial role in supporting the body’s immune system.

Sweet potatoes can be baked whole, mashed, or added to many winter casseroles for a health boost. Want an evening treat? Add a dash of cinnamon or maple syrup.

Fall Flavor #2: Apples

Apples come in various flavors, from sweet yellows and crispy reds to tart greens. You probably already know that apples are a good source of fiber, but there are many more health reasons to include apples in your diet. And the good thing is, there are endless ways you can prepare them – like applesauce, apple butter, and the All-American Apple pie!

One of our more popular prepared meals for our clients is our delicious Maple Mustard Chicken with Apples (check it out in our download above).

Fall Flavor #3: Figs

While considered a Southern staple, you’ll find that figs fill a top spot as a holiday comfort food on tables across the world each holiday season. Figs are lusciously sweet with a jam-like texture, popularized by sweet treats like fig rolls; they are also delicious when caramelized or honeyed.

Healthwise, researchers have discovered that fig leaf extract could improve insulin levels and lower blood glucose levels – or even stop or slow down glucose production in the liver. Not bad for a little fleshy fruit!

Fall Flavor #4: Cauliflower

Because of its versatility, cauliflower is naturally high in fiber and B-vitamins. It is an autumnal staple that has made its way into flatbreads, tortillas, pasta, and even pizza dough.

We get requests to add roasted cauliflower wedges – sometimes paired with bacon and scallion or nutty Gruyere cheese – to our clients’ personal chef services year-round.

Fall Flavor #5: Pumpkin (Without the “Spice”)

Before Pumpkin Spice Lattes took the world by storm, how did people enjoy this vegetable beyond carving up their annual jack-o-lanterns? If you’ve ever tried it in our favorite Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Snack Cake, you wouldn’t have to ask! From desserts to pasta, pumpkin has an endless array of edible arrangements.

As a bonus, it helps support healthy blood pressure because it contains fiber, potassium, is naturally low in sodium, and contains Vitamin C. You can even use it as a squash substitute when cooking soups, baked goods, and frittatas.

Fall Flavor #6: Warm Spices

Pumpkin Spice – a blend of ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves – isn’t the only spice used in fall flavors. Deep and aromatic spices like cayenne, chili powder, cumin, and mustard are a few favorites you can add to chilis and rich soups.

Or, try cinnamon in our favorite holiday drink turned cake, the Coquito Cupcake!

Fall Flavor #7: Hearty Soups and Stews

When the cool weather approaches, one thing everyone starts asking for is soup! We love them – and not just because they’re easy, healthy meals that double as comfort foods (what could be better?).

This year, find new ways to jazz up your soups by adding a pinch of citrus, parmesan, or even egg yolk!

Fall Flavor #8: Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking to add more Vitamin K, folate, and iron to your diet, help yourself to a serving of brussels. And yes, we know they stink up the house, but with the cool weather, open a window; it’ll be worth it!

Pair brussels with roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty side dish, or try Chef Bianca’s brussels sprout salad with gouda, apricots, and pistachios.

Fall Flavor #9: Turkey

We know turkey as a Thanksgiving and Christmas feasting staple, but there is more than one way to enjoy this bird. We integrate lean ground turkey with mirepoix and veggies in one of our client favorites, Sweet Potato Turkey Shepherd’s Pie.

It’s an assortment of fresh, fall flavors all in one filling dish!

Want to try more fall flavors beyond Pumpkin Spice?

We’ve got you covered this season with several recipes our clients can’t get enough of during the Fall season.

Cooler weather brings a whirlwind of activities, from after-school extracurriculars to sporting events, holiday gatherings, and travel plans. If your crock-pot dump meals aren’t cutting it, contact us for more information about how to make this your favorite Fall ever with our personal chef services.