It’s a rainy, cool autumn morning in the North Country, the kind that engages your senses in a variety of ways. Right now, I’m most aware of my sense of smell because my whole house carries the scent of warm ginger.
Lots of people seem to associate maple with fall but I think ginger is the signature scent. Don’t get me wrong—I have maple in my blood. I grew up on a farm where we made maple syrup, but, to me, maple is a spring thing—that’s when the sap is running and the boiling down occurs, to turn that sap into heaven.
Ginger is warm and cozy—like a favorite sweater on a cool day. I love that it has a spicy zip to it, too. I’m making ginger caramels, which involves infusing cream with fresh ginger root and then adding that to the other caramel ingredients and letting the whole thing burble for a couple of hours.
When the caramel reaches the “soft ball” stage, I’ll add finely chopped crystallized ginger and let them set. They’re amazing just cut into squares—like Reed’s Ginger Chews only creamier—but I’ll dip some in dark chocolate, too, because I am of the opinion that dark chocolate makes most things taste better!
I have more fresh ginger root and crystallized ginger on hand so I think my next step is to try these Triple Ginger Cookies. I’ll let you know how they turn out!
What is your go-to fall scent? Pumpkin? Apple? Cinnamon? Or do you love ginger, too?
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If you make caramels and want the details about giving them a jolt with ginger, let me know!
Love Those "Hands at Home" 
All of the above and the smell of the fallen leaves in the woods and a wet dog…though the last two are not very suitable for a chocolate;0) Jummy photos! Hugs from Ohio
Chocolate-covered wet dog! Yikes! I love the smells in the woods, too, and really LOVE the smell of the sun shining on fallen pine needles!
Mine is most definitely pumpkin, though I really appreciate any fall scent
Lots of people like pumpkin but I have to admit that it isn’t in my top 5. But, as you say, ALL fall scents have a lot of power!
Apples and cinnamon are definitely the scents I associate with autumn! I love the smell of ginger but for me it’s not for a specific season, I use it all year!
Apples and cinnamon are very high on my list, too! Those smells are so cozy!
I always add ground ginger to my pumpkin pies and pumpkin squares…love the way it smells and tastes.
Have you had Reeds Ginger Chews candy? I love it–it’s sort of ginger-flavored gummy squares. Very strong ginger and quite hot! Yum.
Ginger reminds me of gingerbread houses 🙂
And you can’t go wrong with a gingerbread house, for sure!
I love ginger, especially when it’s mixed with chocolate 🙂
You and I see it the same way!
Looks and sounds delicious!
Thanks!
Oh, ginger chocolate! You made me wish I could reach in through the screen and take some. I swoon for anything that involves chocolate and/or ginger.
I’m with you on that! I don’t think ginger gets enough appreciation!
In my house, it’s on a pedestal!
Kerry, I concur! Ginger is warm and cozy, I love it!
I don’t think it gets enough respect! LOL