Fall is a time when to gather inside our homes with family and friends. A time to cozy up to a warm fire and sip a warm drink. Homemade Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is a delicious option and an easy fall recipe anyone can make.
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 5 mins
Total time: 10 mins
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons pumpkin puree
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ cup whipped cream
- Cinnamon and nutmeg to sprinkle on top
Instructions:
- In a saucepan over medium heat whisk together the milk, chocolate chips and cocoa powder.
- Heat until chocolate chips melt and hot chocolate is smooth, it takes a couple minutes. Keep
whisking so it does not burn or stick to the bottom of the pan. - Stir in the pumpkin puree and the pumpkin pie spice until it is well blended. Pour into two mugs
and top with whipped cream. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.
More recipes: 3 Recipes for December
Another easy recipe even the kids can make. Homemade Caramel Apples are a tradition fall treat.
Caramel Apples Recipe
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Only 3 ingredients for the caramel dip
Ingredients:
- Use 8-10 apples depending on size
- 10 skewers for apples
- 22 oz. caramels, unwrapped, from two 11 oz. bags
- 4 Tbsps. heavy whipping cream
- Dash of salt
Optional: Sprinkles, Mini M&M’s, melted chocolate for drizzling, crushed pretzels and chopped peanuts.
Instructions:
- If using store-bought apples, you should remove the wax coating first. Dip apples in hot water
for a few seconds then rub them with a towel to remove wax. Dry the Apples well. Remove
stems and Insert Sticks into the top of the apples. Tip: refrigerating apples will help the caramel
set faster while you prep toppings and melt caramel. - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner. Prepare toppings so they are ready
to use. - Heat caramel, cream, and a pinch of salt over a double boiler or microwave for a few minutes
stirring every 30 seconds until caramel is melted and smooth. - Roll apples in caramel, dipping apples sideways to coat to the top. Allow excess to drip back into
the bowl. Scrape off the bottom of the apple against the side of the bowl so you do not get too
much caramel pooling at the bottom - If you see a lot of air bubbles in your caramel start to form or if it gets too thick, then rewarm it
slightly. If caramel so too runny, let it cool slightly before using. - Immediately after dipping in caramel, roll apples into your toppings or leave them plain if
desired. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or until caramel is set before drizzling with melted
chocolate and enjoying.
Diane Sikora
Executive editor