A Bridge to Fall

Back to school time! And even with all the worries about the Delta variant, it seems to me we’re in a better place now than we were last year at this time.

For me, back to school is a bridge to the fall season, one of my favorite seasons. It’s sad to say goodbye to summer, but on the other hand, it’s lovely to buy new pens and pencils, folders, lunch boxes and backpacks. It’s pleasant to anticipate cooler weather, the hope of rain in drought-y California, falling leaves, Halloween and Thanksgiving.

On September 6, Labor Day, I will be saying goodbye to peach cobblers, fruit crisps, tropical scones and cookies, and my beloved Norwegian Rhubarb and Almond cake. It’s a little early yet to go full-on fall with the pumpkins and the apples and the warm spices like cardamom, ginger, cloves. So, I will start walking across the bridge to fall season with some very friendly back to school treats to keep the energy going for all that learning:

• My crunchy, slightly sweet maple almond granola — perfect with milk and some blueberries or sliced bananas for breakfast, or layered with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit.

• Two types of chewy granola bars — walnut and cranberry, and chocolate chip. Just right to slip into a backpack or purse for an on-the-go energy boost.

• Peanut Butter and Jelly Oatmeal cookie bars. I love the idea of a pb&j sandwich transformed into a cookie, and it’s great for a lunch box or after-school snack.

I look forward to introducing these goodies on the Fika Bakeshop Instagram and Facebook pages in the next few days!