I know fall officially started two weeks ago, but here in Southern California is just started… like last night. Last night it rained for the first time in who knows how long! I woke up this morning to crisp fall air and the prettiest sunrise. I’m just praying the weather is here to stay.

Something about fall makes me want to bake all the things. I want my house to smell like a fresh loaf of pumpkin bread every time I walk in. Can’t you just smell it now? YUM! Assuming you feel the same, I thought I would share three quick and easy fall recipes that will make fill your home with the delicious scent of fall and satisfy your sweet tooth all at the same time.

Stewed Apples with Cinnamon By Eat Beautiful

Recipe Credit: Eat Beautiful (SUCH a great book!)

Ingredients:

6 cooking apples, peeled, cored, and cut into bite sized pieces

1 cup boiling water

1 tbsp honey

1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tbsp natural Greek yogurt to serve (optional)

Directions:

1. Place the apple pieces in a medium saucepan and add the hot water. Add the honey, vanilla and cinnamon and stir to combine.
2. Cover, bring to a simmer and cook over gentle heat for 20 minutes
3. When the apples are soft or caramel covered, remove from the heat and serve and serve with the yogurt and additional honey.

Candied Nuts

Photo Credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

One of my coworkers brought these candies nuts to work and I don’t think I’ve tasted anything more delicious in my entire life. Seriously, they’re THAT good. Cannot wait for you to try them!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

4 cups pecans or walnuts

Directions:

1. In covered bowl, microwave butter for 1 minute or until melted. 
2. Stir in brown sugar and microwave for 2 minutes. Stir. 
3. Add cinnamon and nuts. Stir well to coat. 
4. Microwave in high for 3 to 5 minutes. Pour out on parchment or wax paper to cool.

Almond Milk Chai Latte by The Foodie Teen

Photo and Recipe Credit: The Foodie Teen

Ingredients:

2 cups (500ml) unsweetened almond milk or pecan milk

2 chai tea bags

2 tbsp maple syrup

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp ground nutmeg

coconut whipped cream, as topping

Directions:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the nut milk until it just starts to simmer, then immediately remove from heat.
2. Add the chai tea bags and leave to steep for 5 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags, then add the rest of the ingredients and whisk well to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice to your liking, then pop it back over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through. Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend for 20-30 seconds, until frothy, then transfer to mugs.
3. Serve warm with a dollop of coconut whipped cream if you wish!