September 1st officially marks the beginning of pumpkin season. Pies, lattes, and rolls -- oh my! I am a pumpkin eating olympiad, and this year I plan to beat my personal pumpkin consumption record by a landslide. To do that I am going to need a little help from my friends in the blogosphere. Every fall I am shocked by the new, creative and most importantly -- delicious pumpkin recipes, especially when it comes to coffee concoctions. I have compiled my favorites for ease of access and your viewing pleasure. The twist? All of these pumpkin spice coffees can be made with a Keurig® brewer!

My first experience with coffee was at a college as a barista. In between each class, I would serve a mad rush of exhausted scholars. My customers were mainly returning students who were balancing a family, career, and pursuing a college degree. To describe them as exhausted is an understatement. Many would arrive at 6:00 pm for evening classes after a full day of work and a stop at home to feed their children. These people needed caffeine and lots of it. For this reason alone, the witches brew joined our coffee menu. 

The holidays are over and the real chill is about to set in, as if 21 degrees was not cold enough already. January and February in my area are quite frankly, brutal. Just when you think you can handle winter it gets even more fierce. After forty years of facing the old man, I have learned to arm myself with a few defenses. First of all, a hat. I would not have been caught dead wearing a winter hat as a teenager but, now, I don't leave home without it. Good boots are essential, as well as anything fleece! But, my all time favorite winter coping mechanism is hot cocoa. 

As much as I love summer, I find myself dreaming of crisp mornings, cozy sweaters and the wonderful tastes and aromas of fall. Maybe it was the insanely hot August we experienced in the Northeast or maybe it has simply been too long since I cuddled up in my favorite fleece blanket and sipped a delicious apple cider. Either way, the time has come and I am ready!

I admit it...I have never been a huge fan of hot Apple Cider K-cup® pods. They are just not my favorite (give it to me cold and that is a whole different story). Because of this, I was a bit reluctant when the idea of a Caramel Apple Latte popped in my head. Brain, I said...you don't even like apple cider what makes you think you will enjoy this combination? 

The leaves are gradually changing colors, the mornings are crisp and the days are getting shorter. You may think this means fall is here and yes you are right but, to me it means one and only one thing - Pumpkin Spice Keurig®  K-Cup®  coffee pods! Pumpkin Spice makes it's glorious appearance for only a few fleeting months each autumn. We waited all year for them and they are finally here!

I have been enjoying a delicious cup of Pumpkin Spice K-Cup® coffee every morning but, that is not enough pumpkin goodness for me (is there ever enough?)! I love, love, love using this K-Cup®  pod to make coffee house style treats for an afternoon indulgence. My very favorite concoctions are uber simple and involve creative combinations of two K-Cup®  pods. This is a fun way to come up with new unexpected coffee drinks. I have tried quite a few but, when I decided to combine Pumpkin Spice and Cafe Mocha, something magical happened.