The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are starting to change colors and that means fall! During the fall season, an extremely popular flavor is pumpkin. In stores there are pumpkin pies, muffins, and donuts, but a flavor that does not get as much recognition is apple. A classic apple drink in autumn is an apple macchiato, made popular by the seasonal Starbucks beverage. It brings a different taste to fall than some other drinks that are popular during the season. Millbrook junior Sophia Grace says, “I really like the way it tastes, and it tastes so much like fall. It reminds me of picking apples as a kid and the smell of the Yankee candles.” With apple, coffee, and a little bit of cinnamon, the flavor of autumn can be embraced in your kitchen! Save yourself some money and learn how to make it yourself this fall – or all year-long – with this recipe from the food blog A Cup Every Day. 

Apple brown sugar syrup Ingredients: 

• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup apple juice
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cardamom

Macchiato Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons apple brown sugar syrup 
• 2 ounces espresso or double strength coffee
• 12 ounces milk of your choice
• apple crisp drizzle or caramel drizzle (optional)

Steps : Apple brown sugar syrup:

1. Whisk the water, apple juice and brown sugar together in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave the mixture for about 2 minutes and wait until it starts to boil. 
2. Take the syrup mixture you just made and now add the spices: nutmeg, cardamom, and cinnamon. Whisk together. 
3. Microwave again and wait until it boils. Takes about 1 minute. 
4. Remove and set out to cool. Once cooled, put it in a container and store in the refrigerator. 

Steps : Macchiato 

1. Add apple brown sugar syrup to the bottom of your cup. Heat the milk of your choice. 
2. Froth the milk using a frothing tool or French press. Add milk to the top of the apple brown sugar syrup. Leave enough room so the espresso shot can be added. 
3. Gently pour the 2 ounces of espresso or double strength coffee on top of the milk.
4. Add caramel drizzle or cinnamon for flavor if desired and enjoy!

  Not all the apple treats you make have to be sugary sweets; there are also plenty of healthy alternatives. One of the reasons apples are so nutritious is because they contain so many vitamins and fibers. All of these vitamins and fibers help to keep the body strong and healthy.  This recipe for healthy apple muffins from the food blog Cookie and Kate could be a great snack to have alongside an apple macchiato. 

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups white whole wheat flour or regular whole wheat flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup grated apple
• 1 cup apple diced into ¼” cubes
• ⅓ cup melted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup maple syrup or honey
• 2 eggs, preferably at room temperature
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (I used full-fat but any variety should do)
• ½ cup applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon sugar, for sprinkling on top

Steps: 

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and grease the muffin pan if desired. 
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Whisk and blend well. Then add grated and chopped apples. Stir to combine. 
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup and oil, then beat together with a whisk. Add eggs and beat well. Then add the yogurt, applesauce, and vanilla to the bowl and mix. 
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix. Batter will be thick but just separate it into the muffin pan. Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with sugar. 
5. Bake muffins for 13 to 16 minutes, or until the muffins look golden on top. Using a toothpick and inserting it into the muffins can also tell if it is done, if the toothpick is clean. When muffins are done, place on a rack to cool. 

Apples don’t just keep the body healthy they also make for the perfect ingredient in any fall treat!