pumpkin-free fall :: recipe roundup

I’ve come to decide that in life there are a few things that people either love or hate. A few things which, for some unknown reason, there is no middle ground. Case in point: pumpkin everything. It seems that in the last few years pumpkins have taken over fall. I’m sure the pumpkin farmers are enjoying that, but me? Not so much. You know, more power to you if that’s your thing. If you a PSL lover, then enjoy the fall, y’all! But it seems like pumpkin-flavor is slipping into everything these days. I bit into what I thought was a sugar cookie recently, only to realize that it was pumpkin. Pumpkin cookies, pumpkin pudding, pumpkin waffles, even pumpkin lasagna! So for those of you who think this pumpkin party has gone on too long, check out a few of these delicious pumpkin-free fall recipes.

• If you don’t like Pumpkin Spice Lattes, try caramel apple cider from My Frugal Adventures instead.  This is my favorite on a cold evening.
  • Not a fan of caramel apple? Try this salted caramel hot cocoa from Seeded At The Table. That little coffee shop on every corner makes these, too, but this one is so much better! Just make sure you use really good quality chocolate. It makes a difference!
• If you don’t like pumpkin pie, try southern pecan pie from Deep South Dish. Just like the one my Nana makes. Mmmm…makes my mouth water just thinking about it!
• If you don’t like pumpkin bread, try chocolate chip banana bread from FoodieCrush. I make this every time we have bananas “go bad” (aka. get ripe) and I’ve had to start making two loafs at a time. Best banana bread ever!
• If you don’t like gooey pumpkin bars, try these gooey chocolate chip toffee bars from Your Homebased Mom. I’m a sucker for anything with toffee in it. I made some of these for the first time last week and they were gone in a day and a half!
• If you don’t like pumpkin cake, try this buttermilk spice cake from Eats & Beats. This is like taking a big ol’ bite out of fall. I promise, this is what fall tastes like.

*Photos used with permission. Click individual recipe links to see original image.