The Spice by @elle_rush

Until a few years ago, anyone talking about "the spice" would have been discussing Frank Herbert's "Dune."

Then came Starbucks. And "the spice" became Pumpkin Spice and the entire world - nay, the multiverse - changed with the very first latte.

I had my first PSL (pumpkin spice latte) last year, just so I could say I had one. It was very ... orange. I don't drink coffee to start with, so I won't be having another, but I'm glad I tried it. If you wait with eager anticipation for this season, you should go out and enjoy one. If others can rave about bacon 365 days a year, you can bloody well enjoy your PSL for the two months you can have it.

That latte confirmed something I already knew: I do enjoy pumpkin spice. In other forms. Particularly  baked forms. Pumpkin pie? Yes, please. Pumpkin cookies? Don't mind if I do. Pumpkin loaf? I'd love to try a slice. (There is also a pumpkin pie soft ice cream that is to die for, but it's so rich I can only handle one or two a year. So keep your eyes open for that.)

Canadian Thanksgiving is less than a month away. While I'll be buying a pie, I'd like to expand my pumpkin recipe repertoire. This year, I'm going to be trying a pumpkin loaf and a batch of pumpkin cookies.

CONTEST - LINK A RECIPE, WIN A BOOK!

If you have any pumpkin baking recipes, please share links in the comments, or send them to me on social media. You can find me on Twitter and FaceBook. I will try at least one, and the first person who gave me the link for that recipe will get a free book!

Happy September!

Elle