Fall is officially in full swing here in southern Massachusetts: cool weather, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin spice lattes.
I had my first (iced) pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks this morning, and I have to admit that I was less than impressed with it. There was just something off about the pumpkin flavor. It tasted fake-spicy and not really pumpkin-y. Of course, I drank it (I’m not going to waste $4), but I’m not sure I’ll order another one anytime soon.
With pumpkin spice latte in hand, Murphy and I hit the road to drive to my sister’s house. The pug is spending the long weekend with his favorite cousin, Batman.
When I arrived at my sister’s house, we took Murphy and Batman to a nearby park to run around for a little while.
I love seeing dogs run free. They look like they’re totally at peace with the world.
Happy Pug!
Happy Basenji/Golden Retriever/Cocker Spaniel/Beagle/Italian Greyhound!
Now, I’m at home, chowing down a turkey and cheddar cheese sandwich as I blog, and then I need to start packing for Newport. Mal and I are leaving as soon as he gets home from school. I am so psyched for this weekend!
Buffalo Wing Lasagna
My Buffalo Wing Lasagna recipe is live on the Pretzel Crisps website. I absolutely love this recipe. It’s not healthy at all, but it’s sure delicious! Please make it!
Question of the Day
What’s your favorite dish for fall? Feel free to share a link!
P.S. Check out who ended up on Boston.com yesterday!
Mmm that lasanga looks delicious. My boyfriend loves anything bflo chicken, so I am going to get on that!
I had the same experience with the PSL. Not nearly as good as they have been in the past. I wonder what that is? Hopefully they fix it soon because it was so sad to have a mediocre PSL!
On a more positive note, Murphy is the CUTEST little pup ever!!!
I’m glad I’m not the only one who didn’t like the Pumpkin Spice latte. 🙁
It’s nice to know that I’m not the only person on earth who hadn’t tried the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Wait: I still haven’t had one and you have. Maybe I AM the only one left. 🙂
Regardless, try the Salted Caramel Mocha… it will change your life. I’ve never tasted a latte that I love so much.
So wanting to try your lasagna. Soon! I’m in the process of losing weight, so I may have to modify it slightly to get it to where I can eat it. Looks yum-o though and congrats on being featured!
That lasagna looks amazing, Tina! So creative!
I love caramel apples in the Fall. As soon as the weather starts to get cool, I to apples and caramel for dessert. (http://mealsforbusyfamilies.blogspot.com/2011/10/gooey-goodness.html)
I totally spotted that recipe because I’m a fan of Pretzel Crisps on Facebook. I just can’t help it!! I can’t commit to my favorite fall dish yet. I’m still working on it! 🙂
What a wonderful day! I love the dogs playing! By the way, I’m making the Buffalo Lasagna! All my favorites in one dish! Picking up the noodles tomorrow! Were allowed to splurge once in a while, right?
I’m going to join the chorus of not being the biggest pumpkin spice latte fan! It does taste a little odd…
i’ve been slacking on getting that pumpkin spice latte. i wonder if they have a frappuccino version of it. i want to try the salted caramel frap so bad… hopefully next week, i’m so behind on Starbucks. 🙂
I totally agree about the Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Latte not living up to it’s hype. I’m usually a Grande 2 Pump Toffee Nut Latte with Soy no Whip kind of person because anything more is way too sweet. Maybe it’s because I did the usual just subbing the TN syrup for the PS…I want to try it again (because there has to be a reason it’s everywhere…right?) but I dont want all the added sweetness of 4 pumps of syrup…and maybe the whip. Ayeee!! I’ve seen a couple knock off versions of the PSL made as a smoothie with real pumpkin puree in it that looks delish…if only my grocery stores would get their stock of pumpkin in…then I could try it.
THANK YOU! for saying something about the pumpkin spice latte— I had it on ice too and it just didn’t taste right… no fuzzy fall feelings. something was up. ps I want both of yalls dogs!!!!!
I like to make my own pumpkin spice lattes…that way I can guarantee the flavour and lower calories too! For fall, I LOVE anything with pumpkin or apples…:)
my sister and I looove pumpkin-anything and totally prefer Dunkin Donuts’ pumpkin coffee to Starbucks. Cheaper too. Have you tried it?
DON’T GIVE UP ON PUMPKIN SPICE YET!!!
Try it hot–that’s how it’s meant to be consumed. I promise you’ll love it…or at least like it a LITTLE bit more!!
@Laura: Agreed!
I agree with the Pumpkin Spice latte, and I’m so disappointed. I have tried it cold and hot and it tastes very artificial to me. They must have changed the syrup that they use. I have had 2 and won’t have anymore.
I’m not usually one for shameless plugs, but I have to direct you to my recipe for pumpkin spice syrup:
http://www.savvyeat.com/improved-coffee-shop-pumpkin-syrup/
I like it SO much better than the store-bought PSLs..probably because it uses real pumpkin instead of a bunch of artificial flavorings!
Okay, done promoting my blog now 😉
Once it gets cool enough, I get the itch to make pumpkin black bean soup.
http://keepingitrealfood.com/2010/12/12/another-cold-another-pot-of-soup/
Doggie cousins!! 🙂 so cute
totally agree that the pumpkin spice at starbucks tastes a little fake.
PUMPKIN pumpkin PUMPKIN pumpkin PUMPKIN! Fall is the best. The end.
Oh, and my favorite fall food is probably (shocker) pumpkin pie. Mmmmm.
Not that you HAVE to like the pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks, but I have found that they taste much better hot than iced. The pumpkin flavor just tastes off when it’s iced. Just in case you want to give the hot latte a try :).
I prefer the Peet’s pumpkin spice latte, but when I get it at Starbucks, I ask for 1/2 the normal amount of syrup (and no whipped cream). It’s still not as good as Peet’s, but it’s an improvement on the original for sure.
i think the pumpkin spice lattes have changed since last year. i knew it wasn’t just me!! ive gone to four different Starbucks and they all taste weird and not very pumpkin-y.
Major bummer about your pumpkin spice latte. 🙁 I think the Starbucks around here are selling this flavor now but it is still a little too hot where I live to get in the latte spirit! Have a great trip.
I feel like the Pumpkin Spice flavoring has changed! I have loved it in previous years–but this season, I am just not feeling it!
I saved the Buffalo Lasagna recipe and will be trying it soon! 🙂
How do you feel about those buffalo wing pretzel chips containing MSG?
I noticed the pumpkin spice being off last year. Fake spice is the worse… not sure what happened to their original recipe, but they should definitely bring it back.
I know!!
I’m not crazy about the pumpkin spice latte this year either. Although, the one I was really unimpressed with was the pumpkin spiced iced coffee at Dunkin Donuts. I got one last week and it tasted even more fake than Starbucks. I wanted the caffeine and also didn’t want to waste my money but I certainly won’t get it again!
I agree. The Dunkin’ Donuts is really artificial-tasting. I’m not a fan.
I am not a huge fan of the pumpkin spice latte. I would rather have a salted caramel hot chocolate or an apple cider. Love fall! And pugs.