It’s officially fall, and the television commercials are killing me right now. Apple and pumpkin spice flavorings are everywhere you look! Ads for everything apple and pumpkin – beverages, sweet baked goods, breads, candy, cold and hot cereal, ice cream, snacks, yogurt, and the list goes on.
Common, But Favorites
Two of the most common fall spice mixes are apple pie spice and pumpkin pie spice. The combination of spices that make up each blend is so commonly used when baking with apples and pumpkin that the blends are packaged and sold alongside other spices in the baking aisle of the market. They are frequently called for in recipes, so when you encounter them on a list of ingredients, you have two choices: use the mix or make your own spice blend.
Combinations
Apple pie spice typically consists of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, with cinnamon making up the bulk of the mixture. Pumpkin pie spice usually includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, again with cinnamon making up most of the mix.
Homemade vs. Store Bought
The advantage of mixing your own spice blends is that you can adjust the ratios to ensure that you get the precise flavor you want every time. In addition, it allows you to create a version that best suits your tastes. Sometimes, the pre-made spice blends from the store are not quite to my taste, so I enjoy making my own at home. Another plus is that homemade spice blends do not have any additives added to the mix.
There’s no need to buy packaged apple or pumpkin spice when you probably already have the ingredients to make them sitting in your cupboard! Combine your spices using the freshest ground spices you have available. If you have whole nutmeg, then be sure to grate it. Scale the spice blend to make a batch as small or large as you like.
Get Creative
This warm combination of quintessential autumn spice blends is actually not sweet by nature, so you can also use them in both sweet and savory dishes. Try them with marinades, soup, chili, pasta, roasted root vegetables, winter squash, meat dishes, and stir-fries.
Are Your Spices Old?
Do you know when your spices have lost their punch? Give them a sniff. Fresh spices have a strong aroma. Put a pinch in your palm and rub it gently. If its smell is dull, it is time to replace it.
Many recipes call for spice blends like “pumpkin pie” or “apple pie” spice. If you don’t have one on hand, you can make your own. Making your own spice mix is easy and adds extra flavor to your favorite fall beverages and foods. Now that you have a fresh collection of homemade apple and pumpkin spice blends available test them out! Unlike the brilliant foliage, these spice staples of autumn that need not fade with the season.
Written by Vicki Hayman, MS, University of Wyoming Extension Nutrition and Food Safety Educator
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