’Tis the season for pumpkin-themed foods! You have seen social media rave over pumpkin spiced lattes, watched commercials for pumpkin muffins, and browsed the stores for pumpkin granola. If it is a food item, chances are there is a seasonal pumpkin version produced just for fall!
The town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, features many restaurants that specialize in fresh, seasonal foods. The flavors of the season abound here, with local sweet shops serving pumpkin funnel cakes and area restaurants dishing up pumpkin pasta. If you love pumpkin, you can find exactly what you’re looking for in this Smoky Mountain town.
But you don’t even have to leave your Gatlinburg cabin rental to try out these pumpkin-centric foods; in fact, many of them can be made right in your own kitchen! Our Gatlinburg cabin rentals come equipped with full kitchens, completely stocked with all of the mixing bowls and baking dishes you need to craft up these delightful pumpkin recipes. Check out some of our favorite pumpkin recipes below and make them for your family on your Smoky Mountain vacation this fall!
Pumpkin Spiced Lattes
Rouse the family in the morning by serving up these hot, tasty drinks, reminiscent of those expensive beverages at your local coffee shop back home. Cheaper and tastier than the store bought options, you will make this recipe again and again!
4 tbsp canned pumpkin
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Black pepper (to taste)
4 tbsp white sugar
4 tbsp vanilla
4 cups whole milk
4 shots strong coffee or espresso
1/2 cup whipped cream
In a saucepan, cook pumpkin, pepper, and pumpkin pie spice for several minutes, continually stirring. Add sugar and mix until well combined. Slowly whisk in whole milk and vanilla over medium heat. Pour mixture into a blender and blend until smooth. Add a shot of coffee to four mugs and top with pumpkin mixture from blender. Serve with whipped cream and a garnish of cinnamon!
Pumpkin Apple Bacon Soup
Combine two of fall’s best ingredients with the rich and savory flavor of bacon, and you get this hearty pumpkin apple bacon soup! This recipe is great for warming up your belly after a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or a day ice skating at Ober Gatlinburg!
1 can pumpkin (15 oz)
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 tbsp maple syrup
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1 cubed apple
1 tbsp butter
In a large pot, simmer pumpkin, broth, cream, and spices for five minutes, stirring constantly. In a small sauce pan, cook apple and butter over medium heat until soft. Add maple syrup and apples to soup mixture, pour into bowls, and top with crumbled bacon.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
End your evening with this sweet, rich treat. A unique twist on the traditional chocolate chip cookie will leave everyone wanting more!
1 box chocolate chip cookie mix
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup softened butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup pecans (if desired)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, butter, vanilla, and egg until combined. Stir in mix, cinnamon, and pecans. Drop by the tablespoon onto a greased cookie sheet and bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool and serve!