It’s hard to believe that autumn has already arrived! The year just whizzed past, didn’t it? Despite the roller coaster of the year we’ve had, I’m exhilarated about experiencing this season with my children. Autumn is my absolute favorite – it’s not just about the oncoming festivities. The spectacle of leaves changing hues, and the weather gently transitioning into chillier days, specifically here in the South, is a unique delight. With this change in seasons comes the joy of creating some delightful fall goodies with my kids, which we manage without straining our budget. So, we get to relish some mouthwatering fall treats without breaking the bank!
1. PUMPKIN SPICE HOT CHOCOLATE
Similar to my kids, is there anyone that doesn’t love a warm and comforting drink during autumn? It’s their staple request during movie nights (or days). Being an adult, I enjoy mine with a dash of coffee, while concocting theirs sans the caffeine works perfectly and keeps the budget in check.
This recipe is simple and doesn’t require many ingredients. All you need is:
6 oz Water = FREE
6 tsp Sipping Chocolate = $.32
1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice = $.51
1/4 C Coconut Milk = $.35
Dollop of Whipped Cream = $.12
TOTAL = $1.30 per cup
This delight is a breeze to prepare! Just boil the water while mixing the chocolate and pumpkin pie spice into each cup. Post boiling, pour the water into each cup, stirring continuously to dissolve any clumps before finally adding the coconut milk. If you fancy going all out with your culinary skills, you could decorate with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice as a final flourish.
2. PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
Peanut Butter Cookies have been my go-to recipe since quite young. After I was diagnosed with Celiac disease at six, my mother tweaked an old flourless peanut butter cookie recipe to suit me— an era when gluten-free wasn’t commonplace. Over the years, I have improved the recipe for better consistency. The result is easy to make, budget-friendly, entirely gluten-free, and absolutely delicious cookies.
The ingredients for this recipe are:
16 oz Organic Peanut Butter – $2.12
1 C Cane Sugar – $.96
2 Egg Whites – $.40
2 oz Dark Chocolate Chips – $.26
TOTAL = $3.74 (24 cookies) or $.16 per cookie
The step is to toss everything (excluding the chocolate chips) into a bowl and blend until it turns into a consistent batter. Roll out the dough into balls and flatten them using a fork. The fun part is letting the children decorate each cookie with chocolate chips on top, creating delightful designs before baking at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
3. PUMPKIN AVOCADO CHOCOLATE PUDDING
This one has quickly become my new fall favorite, being nutrient-dense and a cinch to prepare. The health benefits include:
Antioxidants
Fiber
Magnesium
Omega 3
Protein
Vitamins A and C
The recipe uses a few ingredients, making it cost-effective:
2 Ripe Avocados – $2.68
1/2 C Pumpkin Puree – $.59
1/2 C Cocoa Powder – $1.77
1/2 C Coconut Milk – $.70
8 Dates (softened) – $1.83
2 t Pumpkin Pie Spice (or other spices of your liking) – $1.03
TOTAL = $8.60 (4 servings) or $2.15 per serving
If you prefer a sweeter taste, feel free to add natural sweeteners such as maple syrup or agave. I fancy it as is, with the dates and pumpkin adding a pleasantly sweet touch. What’s left is to mix everything in a blender until it turns creamy, refrigerate it in individual containers for an hour at least, and voila – your refreshing and healthy dessert is ready!
IN SUMMARY
Undeniably, there is an array of ways to revel in the beauty of fall alongside your children, on a tight budget. We absolutely love creating autumn treats, usually saved exclusively for this season. Our most beloved fall treats include Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate, Peanut Butter Cookies, and Pumpkin Avocado Chocolate Pudding.
And remember, the creative possibilities with pumpkin options during autumn are virtually unlimited. So let your imagination run wild with your delicious fall treats and while doing so, don’t forget to enjoy these precious family moments.
What are some of your favorite budget-friendly delicious fall treats that you make with your kids?
