September Magic of the Month – Autumn Drinks

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Fall drink

Without question, Autumn is my favorite time of the year. I love everything about it…falling temperatures and falling leaves; pumpkins, mums, apple cider – all of it!

I’m one of those rare people who prefers cold temperatures over the heat. While I certainly enjoy the benefits of summer – longer days and more time outside, I can’t help but feel a thrill when I know that fall is around the corner.

I’ve always said that it’s more fun to warm up when it’s cold outside (sitting by a fireplace, bundling up under a fuzzy blanket, cuddling with a loved one) than to cool off during hot weather (short of jumping in a pool or sticking your face in front of a high powered fan, your options are more limited).

One of the best ways to warm up when it’s getting cooler outside, is to enjoy a hot, preferably spiced, drink. So, our September Magic of the Month features some delicious drinks to take off the chill and put warmth in your heart. I did include a couple of cold drinks as well, just to be fair!

MULLED CIDER

1 gallon apple cider
4 cinnamon sticks
1 1/2 teaspoons whole allspice
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
Additional cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
STEP ONE
In a large saucepan over high heat, bring all ingredients to a boil
STEP TWO
Discard spices and fruit slices
STEP THREE
Serve from saucepan or transfer to a crockpot
STEP FOUR
Use cinnamon sticks as stirrers, is desired

PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE

1 cup milk, divided
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spiece
12 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup brewed espresso
STEP ONE
Whisk 1/2 cup of the milk, sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla in a small saucepan over low heat
STEP TWO
Simmer for 5 minutes
STEP THREE
Whisk in remaining 1/2 cup milk
STEP FOUR
Pour milk mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove pulp
STEP FIVE
Return milk mixture to saucepan and whisk for 2 minutes
STEP SIX
Add espresso and whisk until foamy, about 1 minute
STEP SEVEN
If desired, top with whipped cream and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice
PUMPKIN SMOOTHIE
1 (16 ounce) can pumpkin puree

2 cups milk
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
STEP ONE
Place pumpkin puree in a freezer bag and store in freezer for at least 24 hours
STEP TWO
Heat the bag of pumpkin puree on high for 1 to 2 minutes to soften
STEP THREE
Pour milk into a blender; add brown sugar, cinnamon and pumpkin
STEP FOUR
Blend until smooth
STEP FIVE
If desired, top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon

 PUMPKIN HOT CHOCOLATE

2 1/2 cups milk
1/3 cup hot cocoa mix (no marshmallows)
1/4 cup canned pumpkin
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt
Whipped cream or mini marshmallows, if desired
STEP ONE
In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk and hot cocoa mix
STEP TWO
Whisk in pumpkin, vanilla, salt and pumpkin pie spice
STEP THREE
When mixture reaches desired temperature, pour into glasses and serve with whipped cream, marshmallows and/or a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice
CARAMEL APPLE SHAKE
2 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream
1/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup applesauce
3 tablespoons caramel sauce
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 Granny Smith apple, peeled and cut into large chunks
Caramel sauce for garnish
STEP ONE
Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth
STEP TWO
Place into glass and drizzle with caramel sauce

 

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