October is a weird month if you think about it. It’s too late for holding on to the last bits of summer, but you aren’t gathering around the Christmas tree quite yet. No, October is a unique season with its own traditions, outerwear, and, certainly my favorite, treats. This article offers seven October treats that stir up some Halloween spirit and that fresh fall feel (you know, while the leaves are still in pretty piles for jumping in) and impress Thanksgiving and Halloween visitors without emptying those I-just-paid-my-tuition-and-rent-and-everything-else pockets.
1. Pillsbury Sugar Cookies
With Halloween at the end of October, there’s basically a build up from October 1st until November 1st. I think I can safely speak to a fair number of millennials when I bring up those Pillsbury sugar cookie tubes. The fall ones had pumpkins and ghosts on them. I always wished that my mom would bring the pumpkin ones home; I had an irrational idea that they tasted better—gooier, maybe. This nostalgic treat makes it first on the list.
These cute and delicious cookies can be scooped up at your local grocery or department store for under 5 dollars! During the season places like Wal-Mart can put these puppies on sale at two for five dollars — which means you get forty-eight fast bake cookies for five bucks. Not a bad deal if you need some themed treats pronto.
2. Apple Crisp
The fall season is truly incomplete without dabbling in a few crisps. This treat can be made simply, with oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, butter and, of course, apples. We have a tree in our yard, so apple crisp is even cheaper. Mind you, if you take a peek at some of the “free” sections of local classifieds, you may be surprised at how many free fruits and veggies you can score if you pick them up yourself. Getting what you need from the bulk section can give you a whole pan of this delight for under eight dollars.
3. Leftover Pumpkin Seeds
Let’s face it—carving pumpkin is a staple pastime for October, especially closer to Halloween. Even if you don’t carve one, you’re bound to know someone who does. Save the seeds, folks! Put them in a bowl to the side and wait for them to dry up so you can remove any leftover flesh. You can season them in so many ways! Salty, savory, sweet, even sour if that tickles your fancy! All you need is your desired topping (I suggest cinnamon and brown sugar), a pan, and some heat! In our first year, we didn’t have a stove in residence, so we zapped our seeds in the microwave. It worked, but I have to say the oven roasts them much better.
4. Economic PSL
Who has enough spare change to go to Starbucks every day for that Pumpkin Spice Latte fix? Not this girl. Since my best friend is vegan, I am going to give a shout-out to all the vegans out there as well. Yes, you can buy pumpkin pie spice, but it can be five to eight dollars a jar just for spice! Shake things up with anything you have in the cupboard or on the spice rack: nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, cocoa power, and brown sugar can all be used to synthesize that classic PSL flavor, or something entirely new and tailored to your taste buds. Brew your favorite blend of java and grab some milk (almond milk works equally well). Some people may use a fancy frothing machine, but you can make a latte by blending your ingredients together in a magic bullet or normal blender for thirty seconds to a minute. Top with whipped cream (coconut whipped cream is a great vegan alternative) and cinnamon and you have a delicious creation that doesn’t break the bank daily. For those keeners out there—here’s a recipe for homemade pumpkin spice. Enjoy!
5. Baked Cranberry Apples
After Thanksgiving, everyone has some unknown amount of cranberry sauce making its way to the back of the fridge, forgotten and forlorn. This recipe is very simple and very satisfying. Simply cut the top off your apples, scoop out the core, sprinkle some brown sugar in, and pour in the cranberry sauce. Grease a pan and sprinkle more sugar on top. These puppies will sit at 325 degrees in the oven for forty-five minutes or until very soft. You can get creative with the filling, too. Fruit crumble topping, nuts and caramel. all taste great. This dessert, done with a basic recipe, will only cost you for the apples and the pinch of brown sugar (and the sauce if you don’t have some already).
6. Pumpkin Yogurt Parfaits
This one is for all of you who are breakfast die-hards as well as fall die-hards. The mixture is easily stored and can be used at mealtime or for late night snacks! The recipe is very simple and the cost per serving is ninety-eight cents! I won’t be able to explain this recipe better than budgetbytes— follow this link and be amazed at this simple yet cost efficient recipe!
7. Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles
Spiced sugar cookies—sounds good, doesn’t it? This soft, chewy delight gets a fall makeover in this recipe. It’s a small recipe for two, with each cookie costing fifty-six cents. You could also scale up the measurements and make a larger batch. You can never go wrong with cookies, can you? This recipe takes you through the steps (and costs) of making your own pumpkin spice seasoning and tells you how to can make a larger number of smaller cookies using the same mix. Go ahead—indulge.
There you have it—these are my top seven fall treats. I hope that some, if not all, of them will make it to the top of your list as well! Whether you’re cozying up at a movie with your partner or friend, spending some time outside in the changing weather, or just craving a great snack, these treats will make any occasion a little sweeter!
Also a quick shout-out to the website budgetbytes. They’re not only known for brilliant and cheap desserts, but are renowned for delicious meals that are quick, easy, and cheap. Check them out and enjoy October – it only happens once a year!