Fall Activities For Foodies

Do you need to dial up the fun on your coffee mornings? Looking for an easy dinner idea when the extended family descends? Do you even need an excuse for a waffle decorating party? We think not! Here’s what to do. Grab a few boxes of your favorite frozen waffles, have all your waffle toppings in separate bowls, and let the creativity begin. Not sure what makes for a good waffle topping? Try the following:

• Fried egg, avocado, and pico de gallo
• Almond butter, sliced apples, and honey
• Vanilla yogurt, cereal, and blueberries
• Goats cheese and balsamic syrup
• Nutella and bananas

As far as fall foodie time goes, it doesn’t get much better than Thanksgiving. But why not shake things up this year and think about it a little differently? Here’s an idea we love. Ask your closest friends to share their one must-make, passed-down-the-family recipe, and create a menu from these. If you can find out some of the stories behind the recipes, even better. And because we’re your friends too, we’re sharing a Thanksgiving dessert recipe to add to your menu. 

Kashi Cinnamon Crispy Treats

• 12oz marshmallows
• 3 tbsp EVO
• 7 cups Kashi Organic Warm Cinnamon Oat Cereal
• Sea salt

Lightly grease a 13-by-9 inch baking pan with cooking spray. 

Melt marshmallows and olive oil together in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until completely melted.

Remove from heat and fold in cereal, gently turning the mixture until completely coated.

Press into prepared pan.

Sprinkle with sea salt.

Cut into 2-inch squares.

Is there any better time to explore than fall? The temperatures are dropping, the leaves are changing color, and pumpkin spice is to be found just about everywhere. Whether you’re looking to indulge in some good ol’ fashioned apple picking or want to explore the French Quarter of New Orleans, there’s a food tour in store for you.

• Take a Taste of New Orleans Food Tour (like this one). Sample some of the local fare that New Orleans is so famous for, hear about the culture and history, and indulge in some jambalaya and pralines.
• Want to skip the lines at the best taco shops in LA? Then why not sign up for a Downtown Sidewalk Tour like this one? From artisanal cheeses to slow-cooked braised meat tacos, you can experience the downtown LA food scene and eat like a local.
• Like apples? Then Washington might be calling your name. The Green Bluff Apple Festival is a six weekend event in the Spokane area. It’s essentially an “everything apple” event, so if you’re a fan of this little fruit (and the medley of pies, cider, and more you can make from it) then we suggest you head to Washington!

MAKE YOUR OWN PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE (the clean version)

Love a pumpkin spice latte but less keen on the oodles of added sugar and I-don’t-know-how-to-pronounce-this ingredients? Then why not make your own? Here’s a recipe we love because not only is it simple and delicious, but it also has real pumpkin puree for an added boost of vitamins and antioxidants.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

• 1 cup milk (dairy or your fave non-dairy milk alternative)
• 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener
• ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice and more for sprinkling on after (you can make your own by combining ¼ tsp ground cinnamon/1/8 tsp ground ginger/ pinch of nutmeg/ pinch of ground cloves)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup hot, strong coffee 
• Coconut milk cream to top (optional)

Combine all ingredients (except whipped cream) in a saucepan and heat on low, whisking to combine the pumpkin fully.

As soon as it starts to simmer, pour into a mug and top with whipped cream and extra pumpkin spice. 

Enjoy!

More s'mores, please!

While there are no rules against having s’mores in the summer, there’s something extra special about hosting a backyard s’mores party in the fall. Get your friends and family to BYOB (bring your own blankets) and get creative with the s’mores combos. Here are some we thought would be fun to try. (Oh, and if you’ve got a box of cereal nearby, don’t hold back on squishing some Organic Warm Cinnamon Oat Cereal into your favorite s’more.)

• Tropical S’mores. Bring a little island flavor to your backyard with Graham Crackers, pineapple slices, white chocolate and marshmallows. Yum!
  
• Banana Split S’mores. Flood your tastebuds with some fruity flavor, with Graham Crackers, chocolate, banana slices, strawberry slices and marshmallows.
• Bacon S’mores. Yep, you read that right. For those who like a little sweet and salty combo, this is perfect. Graham Crackers, marshmallows, chocolate, and crispy bacon.
• Lemon Meringue Pie S’mores. It doesn’t take much to give your traditional s’mores a tangy twist, and by adding lemon curd to your typical s’mores ingredients, you get just that. 

So what are you waiting for? Get your calendar out and start planning a fall full of foodie events today!