Making it Monday: Caramel Apple Cider and Pumpkin Seeds Recipes

I love fall for so many reasons, the change of season is exhilarating and brings such a richness of color and also flavor as we add soups, and spices to so many things. Here are two favorites that I thought you all might enjoy.

Starbucks has a Carmel Apple Cider to sip and enjoy. It is pure indulgence. I love this and have enjoyed getting one for years. I say one because first off they are pricey and second off they are made with whip cream and caramel so the calorie count is high. Well I found this recipe a few weeks ago on the Roots and Wings Website...if you haven't checked out their blog it has so many wonderful ideas. I have had one almost every day since. So here it is try it and see what you think.

Recipe:
A glass of apple juice or cider
Mix in 1 to 1 1/2 tsp of Cinnamon Syrup (You can buy this at Starbucks...I also heard you can get it in sugar free version it cost about $8 for a large container)

Heat in the microwave until hot.

Serve with Fat Free Whip Cream...drizzled with sugar free caramel. The caloric count ends up being about 130 calories for 8 oz. Depending on how much caramel you use.

So yummy.

Second...we love roasted pumpkin seeds.

Here are two versions we tried today.

Pumpkin Seeds

Separate the seeds from the pumpkin and rinse off.
Soak seeds in water saturated with salt overnight.
Drain water from seeds and pat dry.
Put seeds on cookies sheet lined with Silpat
Roast plain or drizzle with olive oil and seasonings (such as season all, or cinnamon, sugar and dash of nutmeg)
Bake in 350 degree oven for 30-45 minutes until toasty brown.
Let cool and enjoy.

We tried the plain and the cinnamon and sugar this year and both were delicious.

Hope you are enjoying this wonderful Autumn time of year.