The time of chilly weather, colorful leaves, and pumpkin spice is finally here! To celebrate the start of this beautiful season I’ve gathered three simple, beginner-friendly recipes to try with your family and friends.

Pumpkin Pancakes – If you are looking for a delicious breakfast to prepare on the weekend, this recipe is for you!

Ingredients

• 2 cups AP Flour
• 3 tbsp Brown sugar 
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 ¾ cups milk
• 1 cup Pumpkin puree 
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil 
• 1 Egg
•   

Preparation 

1. Pour flour, baking soda and powder, and spices into a mixing bowl 
2. Add the remaining wet ingredients into a separate mixing bowl and mix until combined
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold until smooth and combined
4. Mix it all together until combined 
5. Turn on the stove to medium heat and add some butter onto the pan and let it melt
6. Pour 2-3 tablespoon scoops of batter onto the pan and let it cook. Once little bubbles start to pop out on the top surfaces of the pancake, turn it over and allow it to cook an additional minute. 
7. Enjoy!

Extra-cheesy mac and cheese – this recipe will light up your evening and offer you the best of dinners.

Ingredients 

• 1 package of Three Cheese Tortellini (20 oz.)
• 1 package of Alfredo Sauce 
• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese 
• ¾ shredded mozzarella cheese 
• ½ cup of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese 
• Breadcrumbs, toasted (optional)

Preparation 

1. Prepare tortellini according to package directions. Put aside ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. Heat Alfredo sauce and reserved pasta water in a pan. 
3. Add cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese to the alfredo sauce mixture; mix until combined. Let it cook over low heat for 1 minute.
4. Add tortellini to the pan and stir to combine. 
5. Top with remaining parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs when serving.

Pumpkin pie latte – a perfect drink for an evening with friends.

Ingredients 

• Two cups whole milk 
• 2 tablespoons canned pumpkin 
• 2 tablespoons sugar 
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract 
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 
• ½ cup hot brewed espresso 
• Whipped cream (optional)

Preparation 

1)Combine the milk, pumpkin and sugar in a small saucepan.

2) Cook and stir over medium heat until steaming.

3) Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla and pie spice

4) Transfer to a blender and process until foamy.

5) Pour into a mug

6) Add espresso