Pumpkin pleasures in a glass

It's that time of year again when the season changes, the leaves turn bright yellow and red, the air feels crisp and, of course, the pumpkins arrive. What is it about pumpkin that changes the dynamics of the fall season? Pinterest boards are flooded with DIY pumpkin-decor ideas involving glitter and glue, a pumpkin spice latte is a favorite for those in the Starbucks drive-through line and families are remember the Peanuts classic, 'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.'

For me, pumpkins symbolize the beginning of a celebratory time of year.  I look forward to gatherings with friends and family whom I might not see as often during other months. Pumpkins are comforting, classic and are among the simple pleasures in life, which is why it's well-deserved to be enjoyed straight up.

Pumpkin Pie Martini

• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie filling from a can

• 1 ½ ounces simple syrup

• ½ ounce Frangelico

• 2 ½ ounces preferred vodka

• 1 ½ French vanilla creamers

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• Rim martini glass with lemon, followed by crushed shortbread cookie

• Combine all ingredients

• Shake well

• Strain into martini glass

• Top with whipped cream

• Sprinkle with ground pumpkin spice

It tastes like the pumpkin pie moms cooks at Thanksgiving; it smells like the cookies you left out for Santa as a child, and it will look great on the menu at your next dinner party. Fall into the upcoming seasons and let this pumpkin pie martini lead the way.

Ila Edwards is the bar chef and general manager at The Table Creekside.