Embrace Cozy Sweater Weather by Using Allspice in These 9 Recipes

There comes a point in the year (AKA *now*) when fragrant spices are appealing in almost every dish. As soon as sweater weather hits, we just want to whip up chai tea dessert recipes, pumpkin spice mixes, and other seasonal autumn desserts. But instead of fumbling around with different proportions of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, let allspice take the front seat. Although it sounds like a manufactured blend, this spice is really just a dried berry from trees native to Southern Mexico. Besides being delicious and warming, it's a natural anti-inflammatory and full of antioxidants, which is something you can absolutely use more of during the cold weather. And you don't have to limit allspice to only desserts — scroll on for great ways to introduce it into any meal.

Roasted Pumpkin Salad: Be grateful for seasonal ingredients by showcasing them in a salad with a melange of roasted pumpkin, kale, wild rice, maple glazed pecans, apples, and an allspice vinaigrette. Feel free to add goat cheese if you want a little extra creaminess. (via Feasting at Home)

Autumn Spiced Nuts: Snack time can be comforting *and* healthy. Who knew?! Mix nuts and pumpkin seeds with warm spices, honey, and rosemary before you roast them to smokey perfection. (via Culinary Ginger)

Cassoulet: This traditional French dish is a hearty bean and meat stew guaranteed to warm your heart — and stomach — during the cold winter months. The key to making this meal successfully is slow cooking. (via Analida's Ethnic Spoon)

Spiced Gingerbread Oatmeal: A heaping bowl of oats, spices, and frosting for breakfast will definitely to spice up your morning. (via She Well)

Gingerbread Walnut Butter: This spiced nut butter makes a great holiday gift for everyone on your list. (via Well and Full)

Gingerbread Loaf: Indulge in this gingerbread loaf with an afternoon cup of coffee or as a sweet treat after a warm meal. Bonus: It's baked with ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and molasses. which will make your house immediately smell like the holidays. (via She Wears Many Hats)

Jerk Seasoned Chicken Wings: Jerk seasoning is traditionally spiked with allspice. Since it's football season, chicken wings seem like an appropriate choice for this rub. (via Take Two Tapas)

Sopa de Fideo: Scented with cayenne, allspice, and cumin, and garnished with cilantro and avocado, this Mexican tomato-based noodle soup is a feast of flavors without being overbearing in its spiciness. (via Cooking the Globe)

Allspice, Orange, and Lemon Chicken: Aromatic spices and citrus combined with slow-cooked chicken is a recipe for happy eaters. All you need is a scoop of couscous for accompaniment. (via Recipes from a Pantry)