Seasonal Foods To Save On This Fall

Blog | September 29th, 2018

Fall is an absolutely gorgeous time of year as well as being the kick off to upcoming holidays. With that in mind…enjoying everything seasonal while saving for future get-togethers can only add to the sparkle of the glowing leaves, pumpkins and everything cozy.

Instead of spending $5.00 for a pumpkin spiced coffee, make several cups for that price. Brew your coffee and fill your favorite mug. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on the coffee, swirl with a mound of whipped cream and top with a shake or two of pumpkin pie spice. Add a pretty orange stirrer and you have fall in a cup for just a few cents each.

Take it a festive step further by topping with fall colored sprinkles. Since there is no real pumpkin in it, most anything can be made into “pumpkin spice” by simply sprinkling the spice itself straight from the bottle. Add some to your cereal or anything that you want to be spiced with the spirit of pumpkin without the added cost and sugar in store-bought items.

Next to the infamous pumpkin spice…warmth, apples, and apple cider are extremely full of fall as well. Put these three together in an apple cider doughnut hole to impress any guest. These are easy, inexpensive and a delicious snack or lunchbox treat. Check out how to make these awesome treats here.

Picture a crisp fall night, sitting around a campfire or fire pit. Snuggled in hoodies and sweaters. The smell of wood burning and a stick with a marshmallow on the end. Of course, on a tree stump nearby sits a basket of graham crackers and snack-sized chocolate bars. What could be “s’more” fall than this?

We can’t live on ‘snacky’ foods alone, so pull out the crockpot and throw together endless combinations of soups, stews and chili. With a slow cooker, you can basically toss in any seasonal ingredients you like or have on hand. A big pot of delicious, healthy goodness will last for several hearty meals and warm you right up on those chilly nights.

Other options are simply using your imagination. Buy foods that are in season while they cost less and the flavor is full. For example, bratwurst, cabbage and sauerkraut served with a side of cornbread is a very cost-effective, seasonal-type meal. Or enjoy the cool weather by cranking up the grill and tossing on slices of squash, pumpkin, carrots, cabbage and onions with a simple hotdog. Serving low-cost food will taste better than ever while the atmosphere is filled with the wonders of fall.

Related Story: Tasty School Lunch Recipes Under $2

Mom used to make what she called “parched peanuts”. She spread peanuts…still in the shell… on a cookie sheet and baked them at 350° for about 30 minutes. Sample one for doneness but be careful not to burn them! Paired with watching football…eating those peanuts along with a bite here and there of a peppermint stick was the feeling of fall in a nutshell! Believe it or not, parched peanuts with candy cane type peppermint really is an amazing combo!

While the house fills up with the aroma of a homey fall season, you can continue the Autumn magic with natures free decor. Step outside and gather beautiful leaves, acorns, nuts and pinecones. Pumpkins set the fall mood best, as well as being a huge bang for your buck. Along with their beauty, the baking options are endless with delicious options like pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread. Don’t forget to remove and toast the seeds for a delicious, healthy snack. Fill your home, tummy and heart with the warmth and goodness the bounty of fall gives us…while also soaking in the season, the foods and saving money while you’re at it!

Autumn’s bounty is plentiful! Below is a list of popular seasonal foods to help save time and money while gathering your shopping list.