Forget Labor Day or the fall equinox. The day that Starbucks begins selling its famous pumpkin-flavored lattés seems to be the most definitive indicator of the end of summer. The minute they hit stores, you can always count your Instagram feed to be plastered with cinnamon-speckled whipped cream.
Some people love it, some hate it. But one thing is certain: PSLs eclipse the scene, taking away much-deserved attention from other seasonal favorites. It’s time to let the light back in. Start your school year off right eating these scrumptious fall foods, perfect for accompanying all your back-to-school vibes (and free of paper cups).
Apple
Photo by Justin Schuble
Fall is the perfect season for apple picking and, more importantly, apple eating. As they say, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Enjoy a fresh, crisp apple on your nice autumn day while also keeping your health on fleek with these apple-inspired dining hall hacks.
Pumpkin
Photo courtesy of Au Bon Pain
Pumpkins aren’t just for Jack-O-Lanterns. The vegetable can actually be used in a variety of ways to give your tastebuds a creamy, sweet vacation. You can make pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie — the possibilities are endless.
Turkey
Photo by Hannah Cooper
Somehow it never feels like a bad time for turkey, but Thanksgiving season seems to bring out a surge in turkey appreciation across the nation. Show your love for turkey by indulging in this Cuban-style turkey avocado panini, these turkey meatballs, or even these turkey leftover facelifts after Thanksgiving Day.
Cranberries
Photo courtesy of blogography.com
Cranberries are kind of like the friends that you never really knew you needed until you met them. Most commonly used dry, they are a reliable, yearlong staple. Fresh cranberries are seasonal during the fall season and pair well with other fall flavors. Check out this cranberry-lemon scone recipe or just stare at that unbelievable cranberry pizza.
Yams / Sweet Potatoes
Photo courtesy of Isariya B. via yelp.com
Apparently, yams are more starchy and yellow than those those orange roots you’ve been eating your whole life (sweet potatoes). Whatever you want to call them, yams are your friends. If you don’t believe us, try this sweet buns recipe. For those of you interested in taking it old school and eating a simple, plain, sugary, warm sweet potato, check out how to microwave a sweet potato right here.
Fall is here. Fall foods are here. Put down that PSL and get cookin’.