Signs of Fall and Pumpkin Spice Fails

Although the leaves have just barely started changing color, there have been other indications that fall will soon be here.

First of all, Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice latte is now available. Each year I desperately want to try it, but the pumpkin spice mixture has dairy in it, so I wouldn’t be able to have it even if I got it made with soy. Last week, while feeling ambitious, I tried to make one of my own. Pumpkin Spice latte FAIL!

Next, the Christmas stuff is beginning to pop up in stores now. I know, it’s shocking to me too. I wonder if anyone actually buys Christmas stuff this early? (A worse thought: why would they take it out now if no one bought it?)

I discovered what is perhaps the greatest predictor when I needed some coconut oil to top my butternut squash. Taking it out of the cupboard, I discovered that it had hardened!!! All summer long my coconut oil was liquid and clear (due to the extreme heat in London; my coconut oil was always solid in Edmonton) but no longer.

So there you have it. I think we can comfortably say fall is in the air. Now, you may be curious as to how this is relevant. Simple, I feel like cooking more during the fall. I managed to stop at the Covent Garden Market on Saturday before the farmer’s market was over, and here’s the goodies I got!

Clockwise, starting in bottom left corner: Bounce ball (I’ve never tried before but it looks tasty), bag of mixed baby potatoes (including my favorite- purple!), Ginger Soother (to help with an upset stomach I’ve been battling), probiotics, pickled beets, zucchini, and mysterious summer squash. Ok, maybe not that mysterious but I can’t remember the name!

I’m not entirely sure what I’ll do with my vegetables, I’m thinking maybe a ratatouille or I might grill them. Either way, I know it’ll be delicious!

On my way home from the farmer’s market, I decided to stop at the Sweet Lemon Bakery. I came at the perfect time because there was a great variety of treats available. Mot importantly, there were still a couple of pumpkin spice whoopie pies left.

Clockwise, starting left corner: Pumpkin whoopie pie (!!!!), lime quinoa salad, tea biscuit, and calzone.

Yes, I smothered the tea biscuit in the pickled beets and horseradish. Amazing combination!

But let’s focus on the pumpkin whoopie pie for a sec. It was so delicious. The cake portion was moist and delectable with the perfect flavoring of pumpkin and spice, while the icing portion was a delicious buttercream. Sweet, yes! I am still surprised that the whoopie cakes (like everything in the bakery) are not only vegan, but also gluten free!!! This whoopie cake definitely made up for my Pumpkin Spice latte fail (and my pumpkin spice oatmeal fail of yesterday!)

Anyways, back to the grind! Have a great week!

xoxo Miranda