When the temperatures start dropping, I crave warm, cozy breakfasts. On this particular day, I had been out braving the cold on a drizzly morning run, the wind had blown me home through the front door, and my stomach was rumbling. I needed a warm, filling, and satisfying breakfast. Enter Hearty Autumn Stovetop Oatmeal.
I have a confession - I don’t like Pumpkin Spice Lattes. And I don’t like pumpkin pie.
I will tolerate eating one slice of pumpkin pie per year on Thanksgiving - and only because every year, J needs his pumpkin pie and strongly encourages me to bake one 😉 The pumpkin pie recipe that I make is light, fluffy, and heavily spiced - more importantly, J loves it, and I tolerate it.
This Pumpkin Spice Loaf has very similar flavours - heavily spiced and uses 1 full cup of pumpkin puree. J gave it his seal of approval - and for me, I much prefer a warm slice of Pumpkin Spice Loaf slathered with melty butter over pumpkin pie or a PSL any day. 😉
Apple Pancake Rings are sliced apples dipped in cinnamon pancake batter, and fried on either side just like a regular pancake - but these are healthier!
Now that we’ve reached the end of October here in the Pacific Northwest, the days have blurred together in endless shades of grey and drizzle. My rain boots are a constant fixture outside our front door, drying after the end of every day.
I used to dread this dismal season that lasts from October to February. But ever since J proposed to me on a damp, grey day in January, I’ve had second thoughts about rainy days. Rainy days just mean you need to be prepared - you need to put on your rain boots, a rain coat, grab an umbrella and head outside.
What do you normally drink in the morning? Coffee? Tea? Water? …?
I am a coffee drinker, myself - not because I need my cup of joe, nor because I’m addicted to the caffeine, but because I like the taste and it’s a nice ritual. There’s just something about heating up our espresso machine, listening to the ssssssssssshhhhttttttt while steaming milk, pulling a foamy shot of espresso, and then pouring it into my favourite thermos.
But, there are some days when I don’t want a coffee with my breakfast - I want something more special. Something more seasonal. Something like Homemade Apple Cider.
There’s no mistaking that Fall has arrived here on the Pacific Northwest. I went for my first morning run since we’ve been back from our honeymoon and I had to dig out my long-sleeve running shirt and my warm headband. There was a bite in the air, and a few crinkled leaves crunched under my feet. People who were walking their dogs were wearing scarves and jackets.
The one thing I love about Fall is that it’s a time of renewal. While I love the spontaneity of summer, I appreciate the feeling of a fresh start, the routines of back to school, the excitement of the impending holidays, and the darkening nights with nothing to do except get cozy by the fireplace with a glass of red wine.
I’m back on the blog! And all of a sudden it’s October!!
Lots has happened in this month hiatus I took from the blog (and thank you for your patience as I disappeared) - I got married and then went to Europe on honeymoon! That’s right, I’m a wife!
Stay with me as I digress from speaking about these Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins for a moment…