Make Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice

Whatever your position, it's hard to deny that pumpkin spice tastes like fall. But, it's not the flavor of pumpkin that's delicious, per se. In fact, there's no actual pumpkin in pumpkin spice, just like there are no apples in apple pie spice.

Pumpkin doesn’t taste like much on its own. Or, rather, it doesn’t taste like pumpkin pie. It’s a squash, and so on its own it's mild, mellow, and earthy. That symphony of spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves — get credit for imparting beloved autumnal warmth. The one that calls to mind falling leaves and cozy sweaters.