Mini Fall Gift Box

Fall Spice Box: Warm and Cozy

Spices:

• Cinnamon: A classic fall spice, perfect for baking and warming beverages.
• Nutmeg: A warm and slightly sweet spice that pairs well with cinnamon.
• Ginger: A spicy and warming spice that adds depth to baked goods and drinks.
• Cloves: A strong, aromatic spice that adds a festive flavor to holiday treats.
• Allspice: A warm, slightly sweet spice that is a blend of several spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Recipe Ideas:

• Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Apple Pie
• Gingerbread Cookies
• Mulled Wine
• Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Fall Spice Box is perfect for creating warm and comforting flavors! Here's a recipe that captures the essence of autumn:

Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze

This recipe is moist, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive dessert. The combination of spices creates a warm and inviting aroma, while the cream cheese glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess.

Ingredients:

• For the Bread:
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose spice (if it contains salt, reduce the added salt by 1/4 teaspoon)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
• For the Glaze:
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and all-purpose spice.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugars, oil, eggs, and pumpkin puree.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 6. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Glaze: While the bread is cooling, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, beating until smooth and creamy.
7. Glaze and Serve: Once the bread is completely cool, pour the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.

Tips and Variations:

• Add-ins: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Spice it up: For a more intense flavor, increase the amount of spices.
• Make it a cake: Bake the batter in a Bundt pan or two 9-inch round cake pans for a festive cake.
• Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

This recipe is a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Enjoy!