“I have been obsessed with turmeric, adding it to my smoothies and drinking it in hot tea,” says chef Carla Contreras. “When I thought of making my own pumpkin pie spice, I thought of turmeric’s warming quality and how well it goes with the warming spices.”

Turmeric does a few things for pumpkin spice. First, it makes it prettier, transforming it into what she calls “golden-ish” pumpkin spice. (Sounds like Instagram gold, right?) It also adds a little heat to the flavor. Finally, it of course provides a dose of anti-inflammatory, health-boosting magic.

Sprinkle it in plain Greek yogurt, granola, or chia pudding, whip it into butter, or toss it on your sweet potato fries before they go into the oven.

Recipe courtesy Chef Carla Contreras, founder of Cook + Chop.