DIY PUMPKIN SPICE: National Pumpkin Spice Day

Today is Pumpkin Spice Day. Unless you've had your head in a basket for the past 10+ years, you'll have seen the proliferation of pumpkin spice in just about every food product! Since the Fall Baking Season seems to mean Pumpkin Spice,  we have a holiday to celebrate. Over the next month, I'll be posting several Pumpkin Spice baking recipes, but I thought I would post a recipe for DIY Pumpkin Spice. Here's an easy recipe from BuzzFeed. Remember to use fresh ground spices for the best results. If your spices have been in the pantry for over a year, it's time to toss them and buy new. FYI: Pumpkin Spice is sometimes called Pumpkin Pie Spice in recipes.

PUMPKIN SPICE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

PUMPKIN SPICE CHOCOLATE CHIP QUICK BREAD

PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE BAKED IN A CHOCOLATE COOKIE CRUST

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread

Today is National Pumpkin Spice Day. Pumpkin Spice is definitely a flavor associated with Fall and pumpkin pies and quick breads. This Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread is an easy and great way to celebrate the day--and the season! Pumpkin spice (sometimes called pumpkin pie spice) is available in the market, but you can also make your own.** If you do, remember to use the freshest spices to create your Pumpkin Spice. The following recipe for Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread is from the Land O Lakes website. Want to 'spice' up your presentation? Use a NordicWare pumpkin loaf pan.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread

Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup mashed cooked pumpkin (or 1 cup canned pumpkin)
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large Eggs
2 teaspoons pumpkin spice**
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 9x5-inch loaf pan; set aside.
Combine all ingredients in bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed.
Stir in chocolate chips so evenly distributed.
Spoon batter into prepared pan.
Bake 45-55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan.
Cool completely.

**Make your own Pumpkin Spice:
Substitute 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon each ground nutmeg and ground cloves.