Ok, I’m officially ready for Fall.  And what’s Fall without some yummy treats inspired by the season?  This weekend I made two yummy desserts – Caramel Apple Crepes and Pumpkin Spice Creme Brulee. These might sound super fancy and complicated, but they really are so easy.  My secret is World Market.  

I have long been a World Market shopper.  It all started when I was in College.  I discovered World Market in Boise, ID and purchased an area rug there for my dorm room.  That was 15 years ago (ouch, I feel old), and ever since I’ve tried to make it there as often as possible.  I actually make it to World Market at least once a month.  It’s not always for their amazing furniture, home accessories, and dishes, but often for the gourmet and international food selection.  There are certain favorite items that I can only find there (like Birds Custard Powder, Papadoms, Crunchie Bars, and Tim Tams).  I love their seasonal products as well.  Right now the store is full of fun Fall and Halloween decor and treats.  And it’s so reasonably priced, that I can afford to be stylish.

I bought these cute little pumpkin shaped bake ware dishes to serve my Pumpkin Spice Creme Brulee in.  They come in classic orange and this pretty cream color.  They would also be great for serving pumpkin or squash soup in, or just cute Fall candy dishes.  

This recipe has the warm spices of pumpkin pie, but the ultimate silky texture and creamy taste of creme brulee.  What could be better?  Using Dr. Oetker’s Classic Creme Brulee the guess work is gone and you know your creme brulee will be perfect.  I’m all for making things from scratch, but no one would even know this came from a box.  It’s that good.  

Pumpkin Spice Creme Brulee
1 package Dr. Oetker Classic Creme Brulee
2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
a pinch of salt
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. nutmeg 

In a pot whisk together all the ingredients.  Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.  Simmer and stir for 30 secs.  Pour into ramekins or pumpkin bake ware.  Let stand at room temperature for about an hour.  Sprinkle with caramelizing sugar.  Broil for 3-4 mins or torch the tops until the sugar is brown.

To make my table ready for the season, I also bought these beautiful birch bark pillars to put in my hurricanes.  And what’s dessert without coffee?  How about Caramel Pumpkin Pie Coffee?

Here’s what I bought at World Market that made these recipes so easy.

Another Fall inspired recipe I came up with is these Caramel Apple Crepes.  I’m a huge crepe fan and make them often for dessert and breakfast.   My Grandpa was a Swede, so I think it’s my duty to my heritage to make great crepes.  I made these crepes using Kungsornen’s Swedish Pancake and Waffle Mix.  Holy Cow!  This was so easy.  Just add water – that’s it!  The crepes were perfect and my family ate them all and wanted more.  

I filled the crepes with a generous spread of Gaucho Ranch Dulce de Leche.  It’s a milk caramel spread form South America.  I rolled them up and topped them with sauteed apples and cinnamon whipped cream.  

Caramel Apple Crepes
1 box of Kungsornen Swedish Pancake Mix
Dulce de Leche
4 large apples, cored and sliced
Juice of one lemon
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 brown sugar
5 tbsp. butter
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Make the crepes according to the package directions.  

Saute the apples in the butter with the cinnamon and lemon juice until they become tender, about 12 mins. Sprinkle 1/4 brown sugar and saute 1 more minute, or until the sugar melts.

With an electric mixer, beat the whipping cream 1/2 tsp. cinnamon and vanilla until it makes soft peaks.  

Assemble the crepes. Spread about 1 tbsp. of Dulce de Leche in the middle of the crepe.Roll up the crepe, top with the sauteed apples and a generous dollop of whipped cream.

I had fun with instagram while shopping.  It’s such a great way to share your shopping finds and also document and file away future purchase ideas.  You can follow my instagram (@jeranmcconnel) here, and you can even follow World Market on instagram.   Here’s a few items that caught my eye this week.

And you should definitely check out the Passport to Style Sweepstakes World Market is running right now. Here’s a little more information about it  and how you can enter. 

• Grand Prize package includes: A $10,000 World Market shopping spree and design consultation with an HGTV Designer
• There will also be 3 runner up prize winners that will each receive a $1,000 World Market gift card!
• The HGTV Sweepstakes runs from September 22, 2012 until October 26, 2012.
• If you share the sweepstakes with 5 of your friends (via FB share or email) you can receive 5 additional bonus entries. This is part of the registration process when entering. Users can also enter daily for more chances to win.
• Enter online at WORLDMARKETSWEEPSTAKES.COM or FACEBOOK.COM/WORLDMARKET