Whit's Whimsies & Photos: Pumpkin Spice

Yes, the leaves changing and falling...the drop in temp...the increasing darkness on an Alaskan evening (morning, night, all day...) means all system's are go for Fall.
However, the real indicator, the drop of a hat, wam bam thank you mam, ready or not FALL IS HERE there's no turning back, hold on to your britches, mark of Fall is the return of the greatest flavor known to man: pumpkin spice.

There's nothing - I repeat nothing - quite like a pumpkin spice latte (PSL for those who know what's up) from Starbucks. You know what I'm talkin' about... "Espresso, pumpkin-flavored syrup and steamed milk. Topped with sweetened whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices." If that doesn't get your tinglies goin then I don't know what will! The fact that the world's greatest temporary piece of heaven only comes for a blink of an eye during the autumn months is the best excuse ever to gorge yourself with them! Every day I say! And don't even think about skimping on the whipped cream... (oh, and if you do get one every day, you may want to eventually get "tall's" and eventually try skim milk... or eventually take up speed walking at 5 mph for two hours before or after each consumption and call it good!)

Okay, I may be over dramatizing it a TAD, but not much. I decided long ago that I *love* the fall season. Or as I like to refer to as the holiday season - starting basically, well, today...why not. The holiday season includes but is not limited to Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Years. At this point, listening to Christmas tunes is fine with me. Go crazy! (Again, Accuradio has holiday stations! check em' out! :))

Isn't it only natural that accompanying the holiday season is comfort food and drinks? We don't have to wait until the one day of the year where you can shamelessly gain 10 pounds, aka Thanksgiving (I've known people to do it). We can shamelessly start now! I think it's also only natural for me to really want to listen to some Harry Connick Jr. and Billie Holiday these days, isn't it?

Lots of things are going on in the Fall and it starts now...with the PSL.

Let me set the scene for you:
6 a.m. Anchorage, AK - It's cold outside and inside because we still deny the fact that the heat needs to be turned up (or on?)
6:15 - I want a PSL but settle for home brew.
7:15 - I'm at work and still want a PSL.
Noon - I can't stand it anymore and get one during my lunch hour.
Noon : zero one - I'm the happiest I've ever been in my life.
1:10 - I'm coming down off my PSL high.
2:18 - I can confidently say I am craving another PSL and regret not getting the bigger size in the first place.
3:30 - A little shaky.
4:15 - I debate stopping by on my way home for a double dose of happiness in a cup, especially if it's one of those special days where if you go back to Starbs later in the day, your drink is like $2.00!
4:35 - I'm sad for a moment as I drive on by.
5:00 - Football.
6:15 - I'm successfully stuffed from dinner which was more than likely salmon, halibut, clam chowder, or hamburger helper (yes, I go there.)
10:00 p.m. - Already craving PSL and looking forward to little self-control the next day.

Voila!

Again with the dramatics.

Luckily my sisters can't refrain either so it's tradition that we go out for coffee lots in the fall. Amen!
So, my friends, when the crispness of autumn can't be denied, you've pulled your sweaters out from the back of the closet, and you've got the itch to put Frank and Bing on your ipod... it's PSL time baby.

For those of us on a wee bit of a budget or are feeling motivated - my mom posted this recipe the other day for a DIY PSL...

Brew an extra strong pot of coffee or make espresso.

In a pot whisk 2 c. milk, 2 T. canned pumpkin, 2 T. sugar until it begins to steam.

Remove from heat and whisk in 1 T. vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice.

Add milk to coffee and top with whipped cream and sprinkle of cinnamon.

I haven't tried it yet but plan to! If you try it let me know what you think.

I wish you all a magical start to a magical time of year. I'd be very interested to hear about any 'fall' traditions you have or recipes you'd like to share!