Oh my gourd, it’s already fall.

It’s that time of year again. As soon as October peeks around the corner, every food imaginable is transformed into an autumn version of itself. From coffee drinks to snacks and sweet treats, there is a flavor that overshadows the rest during the fall season, and for good reason. Just the smell of it can result in reminiscence of autumn leaves, a cool breeze and bonfires.

It’s time for pumpkin spice and everything nice.

Around this time of year, just about every restaurant is marketing something pumpkin spice flavored, but there are a few simple recipes that can give you the pumpkin spice taste you’re craving, and that you can make right in your dorm, with just a quick run to the grocery store!

Junior Naisha Davis shared some of her favorite fall goodies.

“My favorite food is pumpkin cookies and pumpkin donuts. They are heavenly!” Davis said.

When the thought of pumpkin spice comes to your mind, you probably think of food and desserts that incorporate the popular autumn ingredient. However, I bet you didn’t know that the pumpkin flavor can be used for skin care and beauty treatments as well.

According to Aylin Erman of organicbeauty.com, pumpkin can do wonders for your skin. It is enriched with Vitamin C, as well as antioxidants called carotenoids, which help improve skin tone, and minerals such as zinc, which is known for reducing acne.

Use these self-care DIY tricks and treats to add some pumpkin spice to your beauty routine!

Pumpkin Face Mask:
Try out this pumpkin-scented face mask, and you’ll have autumn leaves dancing around your mind in no time. This recipe is from Aylin Erman of organicauthority.com.

Ingredients:
1 cup of pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of honey
½ cup of plain yogurt

Instructions:
Mix all the ingredients together and then, with your fingers or facial pad, spread a thin and even layer on your face. Let the mask sit on your face for 8-10 minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water.

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub:
This fall face scrub is perfect for the cooler months, and only takes five minutes to make! This recipe is also from Erman.

Ingredients:
½ cup pumpkin puree
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon coconut oil
¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:
Simply mix all the ingredients together until there are no visible clumps. Use this as a face wash scrub!

If you want to get your fall fix of pumpkin spice in food form, here are some simple recipes that you can whip up in your dorm!

“I love pumpkin spice because during fall they come out with my favorite pumpkin donuts and Starbucks has the best pumpkin lattes,” Davis said.

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake for One:
This recipe from Joanie Zisk of onedishkitchen.com is one of my favorites, because you get to add a delicious fall flavor to a yummy cheesecake dessert, and the best part is you don’t have to bake anything. It only takes 10 minutes to make!

If you want to make two cheesecakes for you and a roomie or friend, just double the ingredients. One bite of this pumpkin flavored cheesecake and you’ll practically hear the sweet sound of crisp autumn leaves crunching under your feet and crackling bonfires.

Several Guilford students revealed their favorite fall desserts.

“Mostly pumpkin pie and I love cheesecake,” senior Kareen Sharmas said.

“I love caramel apples and I like hot apple cider and tea,” sophomore Dana Beck added. “I also like the pumpkin cream cheese rolls.”

Ingredients:
1 cup heavy cream
15 ounces canned pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon (granulated) sugar
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
Pre-made graham cracker pie crust
1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin spice blend

Instructions:
1. Mix together the cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, vanilla and spices. Set the bowl aside.
2. Pour the heavy cream into a separate bowl and whisk, or stir with a spoon, until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture.
4. Pour over the crust, cover and place in the refrigerator to chill.
5. You can enjoy the cheesecake right after making it, but for best results, refrigerate it for at least three hours, so you will have a firm yet moist cake.
6. To finalize your pumpkin cheesecake, top it with whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs and a dusting of cinnamon.

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal (Vegan):
Why stick to regular and basic oatmeal when you can spice things up and add some autumn flavor? This recipe is from Kelly Marcus of allwomenstalk.com, and the best part about this meal is that it is also vegan, so you can enjoy this delicious treat guilt-free!

Ingredients:
½ cup whole grain oatmeal
1 cup water
¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
½ cup pure pumpkin puree
1 packet sweetener
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Instructions:
1. Microwave water and oatmeal for 2 minutes.
2. Stir in almond milk to give it a creamy texture.
3. Mix in pumpkin puree and sweetener, and stir it all up.
4. Top oatmeal with cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and walnuts.

A tip for the pumpkin lovers out there: take a can of pumpkin puree and an ice cube tray. Measure out 1 tablespoon and place into each individual ice cube compartment of the ice cube tray, and then freeze.

Once frozen, transfer all the pumpkin ice cubes to a Ziploc bag and store them in your freezer.

Add one ice cube of frozen pumpkin puree to any meal, coffee or smoothie to bring a little pumpkin flavor to any recipe! This is a great combination with oatmeal and even cereal. Pumpkin puree will store in the freezer for three months.

Pumpkin spice season is finally here, better latte than never!