Wake Up your Weekend: Pumpkin Spice Latte & Fresh Apple Turnovers

As the weather cools down and we ease into fall, lazy weekend mornings beg for comforting flavors and warm treats that can still be enjoyed in the last days of lingering sunshine. Pumpkin spiced lattes with fresh apple turnovers are a surefire way to wake up your tastebuds this weekend. Why not treat yourself and a friend (or two) to this decadent breakfast while trying to figure out the perfect Halloween costume to catch that cute neighbor's fancy?

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Recipe via Sweet Happy Life

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Ingredients: Makes 2 servings

• 1 level tablespoon pumpkin puree (canned)
• 1 cup milk (whole if you dare!)
• 1/2 tablespoon light brown sugar (packed and leveled)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg (+ a pinch for dusting later)
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups strong coffee (brewed using 2 tbs per 1 cup of water)
  You can also use a shot or two of espresso instead of coffee.
• 4 tablespoons half-and-half
• Sugar to taste
• Whipped cream

Directions

Begin brewing coffee.

In a blender puree the milk, pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, brown sugar and vanilla. Pour into a small saucepan and cook over low heat until the milk is warm and begins to froth slightly. (About 4-5 minutes.) Remove from heat.

For each serving: Pour 1/2 cup of the pumpkin mixture into your coffee mug. Add 2 generous tablespoons of half-and-half. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds, then add 1 cup of brewed coffee. Top it off with a touch more ‘pumpkin milk,’ add sugar to taste, then cover with whipped cream and sprinkle with nutmeg.

Apple Turnovers
Recipe via Taryn Cox: The Wife

Apple Turnovers

Ingredients: Makes 20 Servings

• 1 1/2 cup) apples, finely chopped
• 1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/2 Teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1/3 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup Applesauce ( See Apple Sauce Recipe)
• 2 (10-by-13-inch) sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
• All-purpose flour, for work surface
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• Sugar, for sprinkling

Directions

In a small saucepan, heat apple cider until simmering and pour in apples. Stir to combine, and let stand until juice is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Stir in applesauce; set aside.

Place puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured work surface. Trim edges, and cut out twelve 3-by-3-inch squares, discarding excess dough. Place a teaspoon of apple filling in center of each square. In a small bowl, stir together egg and 1 tablespoon water. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the edges of each pastry square with egg wash. Fold pastry over filling to enclose, forming a triangle. Lightly press edges to seal. Using a floured fork, crimp edges decoratively with tines, if desired. Transfer turnovers to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining pastry and filling. Chill for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees with the rack in center. Brush turnovers lightly with egg wash, and sprinkle with sugar. Bake until deep golden brown and puffed, about 20 – 25 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature and Enjoy!