The most wonderful time of the year!
I love summer SO MUCH, but I really, really love fall + the holiday season.
And cool mornings and pumpkin!!!
Last year, I stocked up. And this is the lone can left!! Not sure what I’m going to do this year because at the bakery we get a good price on JUMBO cans of Libby’s. Might just have to hoard those instead!
Pumpkin Oats with Figs!
Some of you were asking about figs in last night’s comments. This is what they look like – these are Black Mission fresh figs
You can eat everything but the tiny stem at the top [although I’m sure you can eat that if you wanted!]. Slice ‘em up or just take a bite of the whole thing – just like a strawberry!
I made Coach’s oats with milk, water, banana, pinch of salt and a tbsp of chia seeds and then stirred 1/3 cup pumpkin in at the end of cooking along with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves. Topped with 2 sliced fresh figs, Fig Butter from Trader Joe’s (which tastes like a fig newton!) and a drizzle of sunflower butter, the best nut butter ever.
Could it be?! That’s either a really, really strong tea or….??
Coffee! Actually coffee mixed with choffy. Would you know that yesterday I skipped my cup of tea and got a terrible caffeine headache that night. Still addicted. Insanity. I’m going to try to switch to all decaf from now on. I just can’t stand these headaches.
Mondays may be a drag back to the work week, but I always appreciate the speed of accomplishment they bring. I get responses to emails on Monday mornings and everyone is focused!
{ 128 comments… read them below or add one }
Autumn is my favourite time of the year! I love the leaves falling and knowing that Christmas is coming
Your oats look delish as always. I’ve never had canned pumpkin – don’t think it’s available in Ireland!
Thanks for explaining about the figs! I’ve always been a bit confused by them… might have to pick some up next time I’m at the store.
I second the thanks. Figs have had me stumped, but I’m gonna try ‘em now!
I am totally with you Kath! I enjoy summer in June and July but once August comes, I am ready for cool crisp air, blankets, PUMPKIN EVERYTHING!!! and the holiday season!
I am also someone who puts her christmas tree up November 1st and listens to Christmas tunes even before that…
I’m a winter baby so fall and winter is where it is at for me!
Thanks for the info on figs!
yum…that looks like a perfect combo! I just bought a few cans of pumpkin at the store the other day and i can’t wait to break into them!!!!
I love pumpkin and figs together! So delicious! And very appropriate for fall!
omg that looks STUNNING- i love pumpkin and def would make for a wonderful fall meal! thanks for sharing hun!
That bowl of oatmeal actually looks like a piece of art!
And I don’t think I’ve ever had a fig… unless you count in a Newton… does that count?
I love figs raw, baked, cooked with butter and brown sugar (yum!) and the green kinds too
Oh no, is it fall already? With all this rain in London I feel like it should be spring and summer should just be starting!
Ahhh!! This post just made me SO excited for Fall! I am with you 100%. Love Summer, but nothing can beat Fall and the holiday season – it’s really is the most wonderful time of the year
You’ve just officially convinced me to buy figs on my next grocery trip – thanks for the info!
This breakfast is A-Mazing!!! It is beautiful!!
I stocked up on pumpkin last year because of the shortage the year before. I can’t wait for pumpkin oats!
Your oats look like fall defined. Love ‘em. Need to try some fresh figs!
I’ve only ever tried dried figs — I don’t know how to choose ripe ones at the store!
they should be darkish purple and slightly soft to the touch and with the mission cultivar they usually have a sweetish aroma – when you see a whole stack together you will easily notice which ones are ripe and ready… nothing beats a fresh fig!!!!
*meep* We don’t get any canned pumpkin in Australia. I cry
I declared that I would wait until September 1st before it being opening season for pumpkin. Now as for Christmas music-I never skip Glee Christmas songs on pandora…
Our stores didn’t run out of pumpkin this year. I stockpiled just in case, though. I eat it year ’round — all those delicious nutrients. Always glad to come up with new ways to fix it.
September is my favorite month too!! Autumn has a feel to it. I don’t think other season have a feel like autumn does, I just love it! Your breakfast looks delish, I’ve never had a fig before!
There’s usually pumpkin available here year-round but there are a couple of kinds only – E.D Smith or Stockley’s (which isn’t always available, but I like better). Never had Libby’s – just a U.S thing?
I am looking forward to fall and all things pumpkin:) I have never tried figs in oatmeal, it looks great!
Autumn is my favorite time of the year, always. I just love it. However, we’re not there yet here in Charlotte… definitely still summery here.
I always stockpile pumpkin, but my HT now has it year-round, so I’ve kept buying cans all year long. I make my Aussie, Lilly, homemade dog treats, using canned pumpkin, so I never want to run out! I don’t think I’ll get into using it myself until the weather cools down some!
I love figs. I can’t believe so many people don’t know what they are/haven’t had them before. I’ve been buying a quart of Brown Turkey Figs at my Farmers Market every week for a month and a half. So good! They’ll be gone soon, though.
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Yeah for fall, pumpkin and figs! This post and pics got me soo excited! Yum
Happy Monday! The pumpkin oats look great, about how much do you mix into your oats? A few tbs?
My Pap’s fig tree got a blight this year so when I saw 2 dozen figs at Costco for $6.49 on Saturday, it made my day! Definitely my favorite fruit. Will have to put some in my oatmeal.
That drizzle of sunflower butter is so artistically done!
Oh, bring it on…I am so ready for fall and a a change in the seasons! The oats look amazing! I need to get my hands on some figs…pronto!
I love the way that pumpkin adds so much more volume to oats! Fall is definitely not my favourite season (I am a summer girl) but am happy to be enjoying pumpkin nevertheless!
Hooray for pumpkin! It’s still soooo hot here though.
I think fig season skipped over GA – I haven’t seen any!
Still hanging on to summer over here, but you’re definitely tempting me to welcome fall and all of its flavors!
Wish that summer were over here in Florida. It’s still HOT, STICKY, HUMID.
Same in Houston.
These pictures are pretty!
I really need to try making oats with pumpkin! I love the feeling Of fall and the holiday season, I Just hate winter driving and not being able to wear sandals!:(
I love love LOVE fall and everything that comes with it. I think it has the best fashions, colors and smells. The holiday season is the best too.
I loved looking at that tremendous bowl of oats. It was quite fancy today . . . but I just think figs are fancy in general
I absolutely love fall, it is my favorite season. I love watching the leaves change, the colors, the cool weather and smells! It is time to start breaking into the pumpkin oats!
I’ve never tired a fig – is that sad? They were BOGO at Publix last week too but they were still $6/box, and I’d used up my “fun groceries” money for the week, so I had to skip. Hopefully they’re still in season two weeks from now when I get more discretionary $$!
I am making myself wait until September 1st to crack open my pumpkin! It’s a sacred event
I usually do the same thing but I just couldn’t contain myself this year!
I WISH we were having cooler weather here! Yesterday it was 101!
Agreed, Monday is such a productive day usually and I feel so accomplished by the end of it. <3
Discount prices on jumbo Libby's could be very dangerous in my house, I have a feeling we'll be seeing lots of pumpkin inspired meals from you this fall
I was just thinking about pumpkin oats the other day. I have a few cans of Libby’s still tucked away in the cabinets. Timmmme to utilize.
Yay! For fall!
I LOVE fall too, and pumpkin beer! I am sort of sad to see summer go..but I am looking forward to football season and cool nights by the fire. The only problem is that fall does not seem to last very long here in MD, and before you know it, it’s winter (which I am not a fan of…)
I saw pumpkin back on the shelves at Target, and I had to stop myself from dancing in the aisles!
hee hee!! At least you didnt stop at a mall window like me and took a double–triple take after noticing xmas teddys staring at me!!!!! couldnt believve it!!! a bit too early, but it seems that the stores are starting earlier each year…
What a beautiful bowl of oats. The figs add such a lovely contrast! And I totally agree–autumn is a wonderful season!
Oh man I am trying to curb my caffeine intake and so am taking a coffee hiatus – I’m giving myself three weeks without – and seeing your warm cozy mug almost makes me want to run to the Bucks! After week one I stopped getting the headaches but I just miss the flavor and, now that we are having cooler temps, the warmth!
I’ve never tried figs…maybe it’s time!
I like summer, but there is something about fall that I love! I have been in a pumpkin mood lately, too. I made some amazing pumpkin bread…and I have been saving some fall inspired recipes to try once it gets cooler outside!
While taking our walk this morning, I could SMELL fall in the air….OH, how I love it!!
Pumpkin Oats sound awesome!
Those figs look delicious!!!! YUM!
Wow – that looks absolutely amazing! I’m so excited for Fall and this is definitely a Fall recipe – maybe I can encourage the Fall weather if I eat enough?
I am right with you on Fall being the best time of the year! I love the colours, the smells, the foods! Sigh… It warms me up thinking about it! (good luck on giving up the coffee)
Pumpkin’s back!!!! Yes, first sign of fall!
WOW, I bet that tastes just as good as it looks! YUM! I’ve actually never tried a fresh fig before. I need to get on that
your bfast is what i want if i ever visit you in c-ville. i’ll even BYOFigs
Deal : )
Fresh figs are thee best! I grow my own fig tree and there is nothing like picking your own fresh figs and then eating them! YUM!
I completely agree!!! Fall is my favorite time of year and so is the food (especially pumpkin!) This morning I thought about whipping the oatmeal back into my morning breakfast, but I decided to go one more day with cereal/toast/peanut butter (my addiction). I am going to start back with my oats tomorrow morning!
I switched to all decaf (I still have tea with a tiny bit of caffeine). Although it was hard to get un-addicted, it’s totally worth it now because I can actually sleep at night!!! It was a tough sacrifice because I LOOOOOVE my morning coffee, but sleep is probably more important. Now I just have to find some decaf coffee that I like!
It’s never too early for pumpkin in my book. I made a pumkin pudding Saturday morning when all the storm hoarders cleared the grocery aisles of berries. lol
Pumpkin oats are my absolute favorite! I can’t believe it is almost Fall!
Hooray for fall! So excited for all things pumpkin and cooler weather!
might be one of my favorite oatmeal pictures ever!! maybe new debit card-worthy?? lol
haha!
Haha I just read Peanut Butter Fingers and she made pumpkin oats too! Great minds think alike! I always have a cup of coffee in the morning and just feel weird by about noon if I don’t! It’s like my day isn’t complete without it!
Yes, amen that Mondays do have a bright side to them too! Love your positive comment Kath <3 Yayyyy fall!! I miss it so much I already have been having pumpkin stuff!! And I'm in cali. Perhaps my pumpkin foods will conjure up the season to become fall faster?
I don’t think I will every be able to overcome my coffee addiction.
I wish it were fall weather here
it’s still 90 degrees out very day and likely will be until November! California does not have seasons– makes me sad. Please enjoy all the pumpkin and hot beverages for me!
your bowls of oatmeal always look yummy but i kinda get a stomach ache because they look so heavy! i hate the feeling of a really full stomach after breakfast. i assume that doesn’t happy to you since you have oats almost every morning
I feel ya- it’s interesting how different foods and the times of the day they are eaten can affect different people. I almost never eat or crave oatmeal- only on occasion if I’m really stressed out- and when I do eat it, it just makes me feel lazyyyyy and heavy, and I want to crawl into bed! I have to eat more protein in the morning and fewer carbs, if any. I usually feel better if I don’t have any carbs till mid mornin- lighter food is more energizing to me.
Sometimes they are heavy, but if I don’t feel full after breakfast I’ll snack alldaylong.
Ok this post has convinced me to give fresh figs another shot!
That’s probably one of the prettiest bowls of oats I’ve seen in a while! if I could frame actual food (and not the pic), I would totally put that on my wall
That combo looks delicious. I’ve never tried figs on oatmeal, but what a great idea! And you’re right, sunflower seed butter is pretty fantastic. Had it for the first time this week and loved it and even got my FIL hooked. Yummy!
I’m with you…fall is just such a great time of year! The smell in the air, the beautiful colors and the gorgeous weather! Happy Monday!
All your fall talk makes me laugh…last week was the first week in Seattle that really felt like summer! (That said, fall is my favorite season.) Speaking of figs, a small local authentic Neapolitan pizza chain in Seattle has the most AMAZING pizza this time of year with black mission figs, goat cheese, balsamic vinegar reduction, olive oil, rosemary and prosciutto. I look forward to it every year. Now I just need to make it to Trader Joe’s for some fig butter. Fig butter, fig pizza and the fresh figs on our backyard tree…a fig trifecta!
that pizza sounds delish!
add pear shavings to that pizza
if you buy freezer jars, you can portion out the jumbo cans and freeze portions. Also, if you just use it bit by bit for things like oatmeal, you can freeze it in ice cube trays, pop them out, and store in ziplocs.
Ahhh!! I can’t wait for fall. I love when the weather gets a little colder and the leaves start turning. I also love it because it means the holidays are near, and I love holidays.
It feels 100% like fall in CT today. I went for a run this morning to explore the damage of Irene and could SEE MY BREATH. Seriously?!
That’s probably the most beautiful bowl of oatmeal I’ve ever seen
Fall is my favorite too! The flavors, the weather, the sweaters, the BOOTS… everything
I will have to mix pumpkin with some oats for our daughter. I think she would love that!
Those figs look different from the ones that I give our daughter. I think the ones that I give her are dried.
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
I love Fall and I am super excited about it! My fiance and I are going apple picking on Friday. Woohoo!
Man, I wish Fall would hurry up here. It was 110 yesterday! Ridiculous, sizzling, hide-inside kinda heat. Cheers to cooler days and fall foods!
Why does everything you eat look SO delicious!?! I’m jealous
I’ve been feeling the same excitement for the changing seasons! The City Market this past Saturday was bittersweet with the last of the tomatoes and peaches. Make room for apples and pumpkins!
Are you not aware that August is not Fall? Fall starts on September 21st – almost a month from now.
Yes, of course.
But fall starts when the earth says it starts in my mind – and a dip in temperatures and craving for pumpkin = fall
me too!
Oats+Pumpkin=Best combo ever! I especially love it when I mix in a few dark chocolate chips and then it basically tastes like dessert for breakfast! Yum!
Love those placemats…where did you find them?
They are tea towels from Crate + Barrel
woohoo! I love fall! I have a giant can of pumpkin waiting in the cupboard for the right early fall day. Figs and pupkin sounds like sucha great summer/fall combo – might have to break out that can!
I may be the only one in the entire blogosphere that isn’t head over heels excited for pumpkin season. We could pass right over it and straight to Xmas cookie or Xmas goodies and I would not miss a beat. I know, I’m the only one who doesn’t get really crazy excited to see cans of Libby’s.
If you get a better deal on Jumbo Pumpkin cans, do that! Split it and freeze half then dethaw when you’re ready to eat second half!
whoa!!!!! delicioousness in a bowl for sure!! canned pumpkin – nice convenient option i think, unfortunately not availalable over here
wish it was though, i have pumpkin almost daily, and all varieties are available fresh all year round which i am greatful for – hope you will be making and sharing many yummy pumpkin recipes this fall? we are entering spring from 1 sept – haleluja!! it has been one looooong winter
I still have four cans of Libby’s pumpkin from last year, and one bottle of Southern Tier Pumking (pumpkin beer). Clearly I did well in my 2010 fall hoarding
I’ll have to try your recipe after I go to Trader Joe’s on Friday and find that fig butter; it sounds amazing!
Savor that Pumking!!!
YYYUUUMMMM!!! I can’t wait to make pumpkin oats and add fresh figs to my meals!! I’m just like you in that I LOVE summer, but nothing can beat the look and feel of fall. Fall in TN is incredibly gorgeous, the change in produce is always exciting, and having crisp mornings and evenings with mild afternoons is wonderful.
I love all of these ingredients so much. Next shopping day I will be picking up some figs. delicious. And I totally agree with the sunflower butter comment. Best nut butter out there! If you live in Canada, hook yourself up with some Nuts to You Nutbutter from Paris, Ontario.
Beautiful bowl of oatmeal. I love fresh figs-they are such an amazing fruit, so pretty! When I was studying nutrition abroad in Italy, I had a fresh green fig as big as an apple.. so delicious.. nature’s candy!
I just bought figs at Whole Foods today. I never thought to slice them over my oatmeal. I am definitely looking forward to all those meals with pumpkin!!! I LOVE fall!
Those oats look amazing! I love figs and I love pumpkin even more. Yum! I think I’m going to wait until the middle of September before I bust out the pumpkin though.
Just a note to say your posts have such a great tone – they always offer a cool little somethin’ somethin’
Thanks!!
That is by far the most beautiful breakfast I have ever seen.
It looks so delicious!!
And thank you!
I made pumpkin oatmeal yesterday! Just so you don’t have to worry, I was informed that there is NOT a pumpkin shortage this year as has been the case for the last two years. This is good news because now I don’t have to mow down old grannies at the grocery store in attempt to get the last can!
Whew.
Yep, I’ve already bought some this year at my grocery
Autumn puts a “skip in my step”, too! My all-time favorite season. I wonder if it has something to do with the fact that MIke and I “got serious” in the fall of our sophomore year in college. Could it be that “love is in the air”? Love pumpkin. Also apple and cinnamon.
I had almost the exact same breakfast this am. One of my favorites!!!
All this pumpkin beer and oats! Im ready for fall! Im totally buying some pumpkin at the store tomorrow!
Oh em gee, that bowl of oats is making me drool- looks beautiful and delicious! I love fall, especially because of all the pumpkin! Rumor has it, there’s plenty of pumpkin this season, unlike the shortage last year
Yum! I love figs. Over here they are SO expensive…sometimes $5-6 or a pint or $10 for a case, which really only holds about 18-12. And mmm…canned pumpkin. I can’t wait for the fall either–that’s my favourite time of year. I love the changing colours of the leaves, the sweaters that you can wear and all the spiced things that come along with fall (tea, cakes, etc).
Maybe you’ll have to come here or I’ll send you some: 80% of the world’s canned pumpkin is canned 20 minutes from me in Morton, IL at Libby’s (oh and a Great Harvest is JUST about to open there)! They have the Morton Pumpkin Festival in a few weeks..can’t wait for the 10k run and then indulge in pumpkin pancakes (& chili & ice cream…..)http://www.mortonchamber.org/pumpkin-festival
OH I’d love to go to a pumpkin fest!
Kath, Maybe that Great Harvest Kate said was just about to open will be around the time of the Pumpkin Festival, and maybe that store will need a successful Great Harvest owner to come for their opening (like you had GH help come to your bakery at opening time) and you can go to be their helper.
That oatmeal looks seriously good! You are an oatmeal genius
I’ll try pumpkin puree… cinnamon spice & sliced figs next time!
Kath, I think this is your most beautiful post in a long time! I don’t know if it’s actually that much better (all your posts are lovely) or I just love fall as much as you do that’s gotten me all excited about it.
Thank yoU!
The most wonderful time of the year is here!! Pumpkin season. Thanks for reminding me to grab the last can of Libby’s pumpkin I had stashed away (and even moved!) from last fall. Today was the perfect morning for pumpkin oats… as will every single day this week. Thanks! Congrats on the new house as well!
I’m going to attempt to make these oats today!! YUM!!