Forget the coffee shop chain giants; Cork food writer, cookbook author, and photographer Lily Higgins is whipping up a storm with her very own homemade pumpkin spice mix.

The multi-award-winning Cobh-based TV chef has pulled back the curtain on how easy it is to create your very own pumpkin spice mix.

With autumn in full swing, this magical blend enhances countless dishes, but it’s not always easy to find in Ireland.

Her top tip? Always go for organic cinnamon. It’s incredibly fresh and intoxicating in aroma. Mixing your spices at home gives you the freedom to handpick each ingredient and ensure that it’s as fresh as a crisp autumn breeze.

Lily’s Homemade Pumpkin Spice Mix Recipe 

4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves

Here’s the fun part — just toss all these aromatic treasures into a jar, screw on the lid, and give it a good shake.

Lily never lets the season pass without preparing a jar of this sensational mix, which can add a dash of autumnal charm to everything from apple tarts and crumbles to roast root vegetables and even lamb dishes.

And that’s not all; a mere pinch of this enchanting blend can transform your regular hot chocolate or coffee into a cosy, autumnal elixir.