Beyond the latte: New ways to enjoy pumpkin spice

I know, I know. Pumpkin spice can be a polarizing topic. Those who love it start getting antsy in the summer, while naysayers will argue that we were brainwashed by clever marketing.

Both sides are right. Pumpkins alone don't have much flavor, and the spice is what makes it memorable. But pumpkin spice is more than what makes a cozy latte. It means back to school, crisp weather and most importantly, the death of bugs. 

Below I've listed a few new ways to enjoy the earthy goodness of pumpkin spice, and surprisingly, none involve a mug. Well, okay one does. But it's not for a latte!

Creative uses for pumpkin spice

• Pumpkin Spice White Russian: You can eye the measurements for this, depending on your taste, or what kind of week you've had. In a shaker, combine ice, Kahlua, a few dashes of pumpkin spice, vodka and cream. Shake, pour into a chilled glass, add a dollup of whipped cream, and sprinkle that cream with a finishing touch of pumpkin spice. It's creamy, dreamy and delicious!
• Granola: Add a dash (or five) to your granola mix, to give it a seasonal shake-up. Adding pepitas and dried coconut will enhance the flavor.

• Hot chocolate: Pumpkin spice and chocolate go so well together, that someone recommended I ask my barista to customize my espresso drink with both flavored syrups. Even better, a homemade mug of hot cocoa is the perfect host for a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
• Cream cheese: Mix in pumkin spice with cream cheese and a dash of honey before spreading on a toasted bagel. You can add shredded carrots to give the topping a little crunch and additional nutrients.
• Alfredo: Add a couple teaspoons to your alfredo sauce, stir well, then pour over some butternut squash ravioli. This savory dish will have you saying, "Oh my gourd!"  (speaking of gourds, the below cast iron cocotte from Staub is available at Ladles!)

• Frosting: Stir some pumkin spice into your vanilla or buttercream frosting, for a flavor twist that works well on spice cake, yellow cake - even chocolate! 
• Warm milk: Can't get to sleep? They say a glass of warm milk does the trick. Add a dash of pumpkin spice for a horchata-like treat.