Fall is in the air, and with it comes the smell of pumpkin spice. Notorious now for being the number one flavour choice for those obsessed with fall leaves, plaid shirts and scarves, pumpkin spice actually has roots in classic Canadian baking. Starbucks may have popularized it back in 2003, but this warming combination of spices has actually been in pies (and more) since the 1890's in North America.

Traditional "Pumpkin Spice" contains a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice and clove. In combination, these ingredients have a sweet, spicy and intense aromatic flavour that take any ingredient from bland to the best.

It makes sense that we would historically use these spices in the fall season, when there are less flavourful locally grown ingredients around (ie. no more beautiful peaches). However, pumpkin and squash grow easily in the fall, and though they are good on their own, the spices completely transform them when used in recipes. A pumpkin pie without the spices would simply just not be as special and, of course, those flavour profiles work with much more than just pumpkins!

Here's a recipe for your own pumpkin-pie inspired spice mix, so that you can upgrade all your own fall recipes and enjoy the flavours of being #basic in your own home!

Homemade Pumpkin Spice (batch)

3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

2 tsp ground nutmeg (or 1-2 fresh ground nutmegs)

2 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground clove

1 tsp allspice

Pinch fine salt

The best things to add it to:

1. Your morning coffee, then whizzed in the blender with a splash of cream.

2. Your favourite muffin recipe– carrot, apple or bran are all excellent! Or scones, breads or any sweet baked good really.

3. A pinch added to savoury roasted yams, squash or pumpkin.

4. Inside cinnamon buns.

5. Fresh pressed apple juice (hot or cold)!

6. Mulled wine or mulled cider.

7. Granola, or homemade spiced nuts and seeds.

8. Buttercream icing, for on top of cupcakes (or just for eating, let's be honest).

9. Mixed into yogurt, or into cream cheese to have on cinnamon raisin bagels!

10. In a pie, of course! Pumpkin, apple, pear, pecan or whatever else works for you– they're all delicious.

11. Your smoothie! Recipe here.

12. On toast. It’s like cinnamon toast, but better.

What's your favourite way to have pumpkin spice in the fall? It's famous for a reason, so #TreatYoSelf to the once a year phenomenon!

Kelowna born and raised, Keddy Pavlik of TheTreatLife has been passionate about the local food scene basically since birth. If she's not in the kitchen, you can probably find her at the farmer's market or taking pictures of food. Photo Credit: Jordana Dickson.