Two Treats to Get You Through Fall

If you're like us and crave the flavors of fall, we've got two treats for you! These recipes are sure to cure your sweet tooth. A pinch or two of cinnamon goes a long way during these autumn months! Add these ingredients to your grocery list and get ready to treat yourself to the flavors of fall!

Chai Coconut Caramel Shortbread

Ingredients

Shortbread Layer:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/4 c flour
• 1/4 tsp salt

Caramel:

• 4 bags chai tea
• 1 3/4 cups coconut milk
• 3/4 cup corn syrup
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Shortbread:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a stand mixer, beat the coconut oil, sugar and vanilla until completely combined, about one minute. Add in the flour and salt and mix on slow speed just until everything comes together.
3. Line a 9″ pan with parchment paper and spray the tops and side of the parchment with cooking spray. Crumble the shortbread into the bottom of the pan. Press firmly with your hands until the shortbread covers the bottom and is an even layer.
4. Bake the shortbread layer in your preheated oven until the top is a light golden brown, about 12-15 minutes. Take out of the oven and set aside until the caramel is ready.

Caramel Layer:

1. Place the coconut milk and chai in a saucepan set over medium high heat and let it come to a light boil. Take off the heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Take out the tea bags and toss. (Make sure to squeeze any extra milk out of the bags).  Add in the corn syrup and salt and bring the mixture bag to a light boil and stir until the salt is completely dissolved, about 4 minutes. Once the mixture is smooth and together, remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a separate saucepan, add the sugar and water and whisk until combined. Place over medium high heat and cook, without stirring, until the sugar is a nice amber color, and reaches 310 degrees.
4. Immediately, gently pour the caramel into the chai spiced milk. Be careful—the mixture might bubble and crackle!
5. Place the saucepan (that now has all your ingredients in it) back over medium heat (yes, one more time!) Stir your caramel until all the clumps have disappeared and it is smooth.
6. Raise the heat to medium high and cook until the caramel has thickened and reaches 245 degrees.
7. Pour the caramel over the shortbread layer and let it set and cook completely.
8. Once you’re ready to cut your bars, make sure to oil your knife before cutting! This will help the caramel to not stick to the knife.

These treats are known for melting in your mouth. The perfect bite of fall!

Spiced Apple Cider Snow Cones

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups spiced apple cider
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• Plenty of ice cubes
• A pinch of cinnamon
• Cinnamon sticks, for garnish
• Rum or whiskey, optional

Instructions

1. Mix equal parts sugar and cider in a saucepan over low-medium heat. Simmer until liquid reduces by half. Set aside to cool. (Note: If you allow your mixture to simmer for too long, it will reduce further and become overly sticky. You want it syrupy, but still thin enough to easily pour over the ice.)
2. Using a snow cone machine or ice crusher (a blender will also do in a pinch, but won’t have quite the same texture), crush enough ice to fill four small glasses. Pack the ‘snow’ in tightly, and form a rounded snowball on the top.
3. Pour your simple syrup over each mound of ice. Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Add a shot of alcohol to each glass for a spiked version. Enjoy!

These two treats will definitely have you fall-ing in love with autumn! Grab your ingredients today and devour the details of these delicious recipes!