Fabulous Fall Party Treats
Pumpkin pie is always a great choice for a fall party or (lets be honest) while you are sitting at home binge watching Pretty Little Liars. Today I wanted to share with you some fun, unique fall treats you could try yourself or bring with you to a fall gathering, Halloween party, Thanksgiving, or just any get together. The first tasty treat is a delicious sweet potato, marshmallow (or fluff for those non-gelatin eaters such as myself), graham cracker dipping dish! Second is an adorable apple pie baked inside of a granny smith apple. Last but not least is for my coffee lovers :) this creamer would be a great sweet treat to add into after dinner coffee or bring some Baileys Irish Cream to provide a beverage for those of age to enjoy.
Sweet Potato Marshmallow Dip with Graham Crackers
You will need: four large sweet potatoes, vegetable oil, brown sugar, butter, marshmallows, and an oven.
Start with about four clean sweet potatoes (depending on how much you'd like to make). 4 sweet potatoes will make enough for about 6 people.
Be sure to fork about 4-5 holes into each sweet potato. Now it's time to oil up. Rub a bit of vegetable oil on each of the sweet potatoes. DO NOT wrap the potatoes in tin foil!
Simply place those sweet potatoes in a oven, or "hot box" as Alton Brown would say, that's been preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Yes, right on the rack. Place a baking sheet with foil under the potatoes, there will be dripping.
Let those sweet babies bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Let them cool for a moment so you don't burn your fingers off, but don't wait too long because they are easier to mash when warm. Once cool enough peel the skin off, mash the potatoes. You could also use a food blender or something like a Nutribullet to blend, it may be a bit easier/quicker.
Time for the fun part! Sprinkle over some brown sugar, top with a bit of butter, and layer on the mini marshmallows! Personally, I do not eat gelatin so we used fluff but you could also pick up some gelatin free marshmallows at Whole Foods or a specialty shop!
Broil on high for about 3-5, keeping a close eye on it in order to get that golden brown effect!
Use graham crackers to dip into this delicious treat! The mix of flavors in this dish are mouthwatering and scream fall! Enjoy this as a dessert of a side to any other great fall meal.
Apple Pie inside a Granny Smith Apple
You will need: four large Granny Smith apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and pie crust (homemade or store bought).
Start by cutting the top off of all four of your clean granny smith apples. Time for the hard part - removing the inside of the apples! I don't think there is any real scientific method to this, grab a knife, spoon, melon baller, or a jigsaw. It's going to be really difficult! Don't throw away the apple slices, place them in a separate bowl or just sit them aside. These slices are going to be used for the inside of the "apple pie."
Cut up the apple slices a bit so they fit inside the large apple nicely. Combine in a bowl: apple spices, two tablespoons of cinnamon, and four tablespoons or brown sugar. Mix together and then place inside of the apples. Top with pie crust! It may take a little time to get the crust to look the way you'd like but don't give up!
Place enough water in the bottom of the baking dish to just slightly cover the bottom. On to the oven, on 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes.
Remove from oven, let cool, and enjoy!
Pumpkin Coffee Creamer/Baileys Irish Cream Pumpkin Coffee
What you will need: Pumpkin Puree, Milk, Cream (of any flavor), Pumpkin Spice (I've made my own), Maple Syrup, coffee, and Baileys if of age.
You can easily make your own pumpkin spice blend if you can't find it in stores.
To make your own pumpkin spice blend:
4 tablespoons ground cinnamon
4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
4 teaspoons ground ginger
3 teaspoons ground allspice
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/pumpkin-pie-spice-i/
On stove top combine
4 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon of spice blend
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Let this simmer for a bit and get golden brown before adding liquid ingredients.
2/3 cups of creamer (I did half hazelnut half soy creamer)
2 cups of milk
Enjoy hot or cold, add some whip cream, add cinnamon for a fun touch.