I don't mean to be a #hater, but pumpkin spice is vastly overrated as the quintessential fall flavor. Pumpkin spice doesn't even really taste like pumpkin. It tastes like cinnamon. You know what goes better with cinnamon? Apples.
In my clearly unbiased opinion, apples are better in every sense, so here are some recipes to take advantage of the superiority.
1. Apple Turnover
The classics will never disappoint. While a pumpkin turnover is possible, it really just wouldn't be the same.
2. Walker Brothers Apple Pancake
In case you haven't heard of it, Walker Brothers is a Chicago pancake house that is famous for not only being in Mean Girls but also for its apple pancakes that you can buy, take home and keep in the fridge.
3. Caramelized Apple Crepes
It may just be me, but a caramelized pumpkin spice crepe just seems weird. Caramelized apples are clearly superior.
4. Chickpea, Sweet Potato and Apple Farro Salad
Apples add a light fall flavor and a nice crunch in this salad. Pumpkin would simply add more mush. Nobody wants more mush.
5. Fried Ham, Cheddar and Apple Panini
Pumpkin would also just get mushy in here. It wouldn't even work.
6. Apple Ginger Marinated Pork
This is technically made with apple juice, but apple juice comes from apples so it totally counts. Think of pumpkin spice pork...yeah, apple is definitely the way to go.
7. Apple Brie Pizza
Brie and apple are really the golden pairing. Pumpkin and brie would be a very off-putting sort of combination.
8. Apple Chickpea Hash
Another instance of pumpkin being mush in a dish where you definitely don't want mush. Apples are much sturdier. Apples will never let you down.
9. Baked Brie Pull-Apart Bread
See the reasoning for number 7. If you haven't had apple and brie together yet, you really need to take some time out your day and try it.
10. Apple Pie Roses
Try carving a rose out of a pumpkin and then come talk to me about the superiority of pumpkins and pumpkin spice.
11. Caramel Apple
Putting caramel on pumpkin literally doesn't even make sense. If you somehow managed to get it on there, how would you eat it? What would you dip it in?
12. Apple Compote-Filled Cupcakes
If you don't have latkes to fry up and put on top, then you can just leave them out - or, even better, replace with some cinnamon-fried apples. Plus, the apple compote is hidden in this. It's like, "Surprise! I'm here to make your day way better!"
13. Spiced Apple Cider
Apple cider is the real drink of the fall. Pumpkin spice doesn't even come close.
14. Apple Cider, Pear and Pomegranate Sangria
There are so many great things going on here. Plus, look how adorable the little cinnamon sticks are. Apples and booze are a match made in foodie heaven. Don't be weird and make alcoholic pumpkin spice. Don't be that person.
The current infatuation with pumpkin spice is simply a distraction from the true king of fall. Don't let passing fancies sway your mind. Stick to apples. Apples are supreme.