Even though Florida doesn’t exactly give me the crisp, golden-leaf kind of autumn I grew up with, I still find ways to make it feel like fall. The heat sticks around, the palm trees don’t change, but that won’t stop me from creating my own little slice of the season.
For me, it all starts with a batch of pumpkin apple butter. The spices, the warm smell drifting through the kitchen, the cozy glow of fall-scented candles - it’s how I trick myself into believing the world outside looks like a postcard of autumn leaves. Nothing says “fall is here” like the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove filling the air.
I also lean into all the little comforts of the season: lighting candles, pulling out cozy blankets, and putting on my favorite Peanuts albums. There’s something about that jazzy piano that feels like the soundtrack of autumn. My oldest sister used to play some of those tracks on the upright piano in our living room during the holidays, and the songs carry a lot of nostalgia.
It’s not so much about craving everything pumpkin as it is about craving the feeling of fall. The comfort. The nostalgia. The little traditions that bring back the fond memories of the season. For me, that often means cozy baking projects: a warm biscuit topped with pumpkin apple butter, a batch of cinnamon rolls to bring to family, or Hawaiian rolls to share with my life group. Those little moments of sharing make the season feel even sweeter.
Now, a question for y’all: would you like to see pumpkin apple butter available on the site? It’s one of my favorite fall traditions, and I’d love to share it with you if there’s interest. It might take me a little time to figure out how to make it Florida Cottage-legal, but I’m more than happy to explore it. Drop a comment or send me a message - I’d love to hear what you think!
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