Move over, Pumpkin Pie. There are new Fall Favorites on the menu!

Now that school is back in session and September well underway, it’s time to give into that quintessential pumpkin craving we (try to!) suppress all year. Fall has almost fallen…let’s usher in this glorious season with some good ol’ comfort food.

And, on that note: the following recipes are figure-friendlier twists on classic autumn indulgences. So, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without souring your waistline!

Warm Mulled Cider

   

• Ingredients:

1. 3 cups 100% apple juice (I used Simply Apple brand)
2. 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
3. 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
4. 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
5. 1 tsp. orange zest

• Preparation:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and bring the stove-top heat to a boil.
2. Stir this mixture constantly until it has reached a rolling boil.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-high, then simmer for approximately 15 minutes.
4. Stir the mixture occasionally throughout these 15 minutes.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cider to cool slightly.

   

Pumpkin & Carrot Bars

• Ingredients:

   

1. 3 egg whites
2. 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
3. 1 tsp. baking powder
4. 1/2 tsp. baking soda
5. 1 cup whole wheat flour
6. 3/4 cup organic Stevia powder
7. 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
8. 1/3 cup carrots (shredded)
9. 1 1/2 tbsp. applesauce (unsweetened)

• For the Frosting:

1. 1/4 cup fat-free cream cheese (softened)
2. 2 tbsp. organic Stevia powder
3. 1/2 tbsp. skim milk*

*If your dietary needs or preferences exclude dairy, you can substitute 1/2 tbsp. soy milk whisked with 1 tsp. apple cider.

• Preparation:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the baking soda and powder, flour and pumpkin pie spice.
2. In another bowl, combine the applesauce and sweetener, until the texture is smooth.
3. Add the egg whites, carrots and pumpkin pie filling, then continue mixing.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, then mix again until everything is thoroughly blended.
5. Spread the batter onto a greased jellyroll pan (a baking sheet will also suffice), then set aside temporarily.
6. Combine the cream cheese, milk and remaining 2 tbsp. of sweetener.
7. Spoon the frosting on top of the batter, then swirl them together with a butter knife.
8. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the batter has cooked thoroughly.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely, then slice it into even squares.