It’s not disgustingly humid anymore, the leaves are quickly changing colors, and the inner basic white girl in you is jumping for joy because fall is finally here. Yes, it’s that time of year again when PSL (pumpkin spice latte for those of you rolling your eyes right now), is back and the supermarkets are overflowing with pumpkins and Halloween candy.
Photo courtesy of annatuttle.com
While pumpkin has a prevalent presence in fall foods and drinks, it is certainly not the only thing to look out for this season. Many local restaurants and cafes around Hopkins offer specials that use seasonal ingredients like apples and squash. From apple crumble cheesecake to pumpkin scones, here are the best fall food specials in Baltimore to try this season!
1. Fall Harvest Ice Cream from the Charmery
Photo by Wooyang Son
Known for its eclectic and interesting flavors, The Charmery did not disappoint when it came to their special fall ice creams. Nothing says fall like ice cream made with pumpkin, squash, and a splash of rum. They also have sweet potato and spiced pumpkin ice creams that you need in your life right now.
2. Apple Crumble Cheesecake from City Cafe
I’m not a big fan of cheesecake, but this dessert is something else entirely. It tastes more like an apple pie tart with cheesecake filling inside. Best of all it’s topped with salted caramel ice cream, leaving you wanting nothing more in your life.
3. Ricotta Gnocchi w/ Butternut Squash from Donna’s
Biting into these gnocchi is like biting into little heavenly pillows that burst with ricotta filling. The savory sauce made from butternut squash adds a nice autumnal touch to an otherwise typical restaurant dish. It’s also the perfect portion size, leaving you satisfied but not rolling home with a food baby.
4. Coconut Curry Shrimp from Donna’s
Although not a typical fall dish, this shrimp is part of Donna’s special menu for the season. Served with jasmine rice, peas, carrots, and veggies in a curry sauce, this shrimp is certainly a winner.
#SpoonTip: Split the shrimp and the gnocchi with a friend so that you’re able to try both dishes while they’re still on the menu.
5. Pumpkin Scones with Apple Butter from Carma’s
Photo by Holly Brockerhoff
Need a quick pick-me-up? Carma’s pumpkin scones are the perfect midday treat. Buttery and flaky on the outside with a center filled with apple butter, these will for sure satisfy your sweet tooth and get you through the rest of your day.
6. Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies from Carma’s
Photo courtesy of Emily Hu
If you’re a pumpkin and oatmeal lover, then this is the cookie for you. The subtle taste of pumpkin mixed in with the healthy crunch of the oats and the sweetness of the raisins make this a very satisfying and delicious cookie. You know as well as I do how great Carma’s cookies are, so you should definitely try this one while it’s still available.
7. Pumpkin Pie from Dangerously Delicious Pies
Dangerously Delicious Pies is famous for their pies for a reason. With a large variety of sweet and savory pies to choose from, this place has perfected the art of pie. Their pumpkin pie is no exception, featuring roasted and caramelized fresh pumpkin, leaving you lusting for Thanksgiving. If you’re not feeling pumpkin, they also have a fall custom custard (nicknamed the “White Trash Crème Brûlée”), sweet potato pie, apple pie, apple crumble pie, and pecan pie.
8. Pear Cider from Black Rock Orchard
Photo courtesy of The Garden Apartment blog
Available every Saturday at the 32nd St. Farmer’s Market in Waverly, this pear cider is to die for. It’s crisp and refreshing, and a nice change from the classic apple cider.
#SpoonTip: It also makes for a great mixer.