Fall food showdown: Apple vs. Pumpkin

From the kitchen of Alexis Estep, Restonian, Chef, & Mom

Estep children making their personalized apple snacks!

Fall is just around the corner. Are you ready for it! The leaves become so beautifully colored,

and once they have fallen, they make the best cushion to jump into. Don’t you agree? What most of us LOVE best about this time of year is all of the amazing fall-themed foods. Pumpkin spice everything and apple cider, all of it! Which food reigns supreme?! Well, that just depends on who you ask. According to my kids, my pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are the best snack ever. Yet a quick trip to Lake Anne farmers market has them yearning for a big jug of apple cider. Whichever is your favorite, you are guaranteed a yummy snack!

Here are some of my family’s favorite ways to enjoy the best this season has to offer:

Apple snacks - slice an apple into rings and spread with nut butter (granola butter for nut

allergies) and add your favorite toppings. We like granola, mini chocolate chips, and sprinkles.

Apple dip - cut an apple into wedges and then mix Greek yogurt with some peanut butter, maple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon. Dip away!

Pumpkin yogurt - mix vanilla yogurt with a spoonful of pumpkin puree, a splash of maple syrup, and a dash of pumpkin pie spice.

Pumpkin milkshake - blend vanilla ice cream with a spoonful of pumpkin puree, some milk, and finish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.