PUMPKIN PIE SPICE
There are few spice blends that I use more than Pumpkin Pie. It's so good in everything - from my Pumpkin Protein Shake, to Greek-style yogurt, cheesecake, quick breads, spice cookies, sprinkled on oatmeal...the list goes on and on.
The one that you can buy is good in a pinch...but nothing beats the hand-picked cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, high-quality ginger and all the LOVE that goes into making your own!
I know there are higher-end places you can buy spices, but I love Penzey's. They are super fresh and affordable, and have a big variety.
(I like to be on a budget, but if you know of great finds that you can't live without...let ME know, too. A girl's gotta network, right?!)
Making your own blend means you can choose the flavors you love to dominate, add just a touch of this or that and go heavy on something else. This recipe is the ratios that I love - add, subtract...use a stronger or milder cinnamon - whatever makes you happy in your heart!
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For the standard, Libby's-everybody-loves-it pumpkin pie recipe (two pie-big can) I use 3 1/2 teaspoons of the mix.
6 teaspoons ground ginger
3 teaspoons cloves - grind your own if you can
1/4 teaspoon allspice- grind if you want
1/4 rounded teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Combine all and store in an airtight container, if you don't use it all at once. (Like jumping in and wallowing around...ooops...sorry. Got carried away.)
ooh lovely - thank you for this. i love pumpkin pie spice but hate buying it, because it inevitably sits in my cupboard for years on end. this will be much more cost effective, and i'm sure, much fresher and better tasting since we're in control of the ingredients!
ReplyDeletecheers,
*heather*
p.s. i may be a dietitian first and foremost, but a cookie in each hand sounds like a fabulous diet to me!!
This sounds great!(Love Penzeys) Tell us about your pumpkin protein shake
ReplyDeleteLooks good and easy too. Beautiful photography.
ReplyDeleteI put the link for the Pumpkin Pro Shake in the intro for you! I know you'll love it!
ReplyDeleteHere, too... http://eatingwelllivingthin.wordpress.com/2009/10/02/pie-in-a-glass/
I've never used pumpkin pie spice much (save for actual pumpkin pies) but it seems to be popular - at least at Starbucks! Perhaps I should use it more...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great blog! I love pumpkin pie but I always measure out all the spices individually (and then again after I taste it and decide to double them). This would be a great mix to keep on hand instead, thanks!
ReplyDeleteLovely in a bowl of steaming oatmeal, delightful inside of warm homemade cinnamon rolls! I used it this weekend while cooking up the last of our apples into sauce. The house smelled wonderful and sauce was gone before it had time to cool completely. The first time I made your custom blend, I knew instantly that I'd never go back to store bought. Thank-you Linda.
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered what was in Pumpkin Pie Spice. So many recipes call for it, but we have neither the spice or pumpkin pies here in Australia. No canned pumpkin either!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a yummy combo!
I grew up on Magic Pumpkin Pie and Magic Lemon Merengue pie. the magic was double spice and double lemon. Mom was a great chef because she was creative, plus collected 10,000 recipies and threw out 9,000 of them. BUT! my friends say I surpass her work.
ReplyDeleteabetageek@gmail.com
The best way to spice up your life is to create the spice yourself! love it!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Penzys is absolutely wonderful! What a great sounding recipe, I will have to try it!
ReplyDeletewww.whimsycheesecakes.com
Try adding a teaspoon of the spice to your morning coffee grounds before you brew your coffee! It makes a sensational fall harvest coffee!! Thats my primary use for pumpkin pie spice. I use it very sparingly in pumpkin pie itself as the flavors are so intense they seem to overwhelm the pie.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh...never have done this, but will certainly try it. I just got some Creamy Caramel coffee - it might be good in that, too. Hmmmmm....the possibilities!
ReplyDelete