Today marks the official first day of fall, and while it always feels like summer flies by too quickly, there are also so many special things about fall in Michigan. I’m already dreaming about visits to Barkham Creek Farm for apple cider and donuts, Halloween costume prep, and dressing for crisper days.
It’s also the magical time of year when all things pumpkin appear on the shelves: everything from dish soaps to candles, flavored coffees to cereals. Pumpkin lovers rejoice, pumpkin haters groan. I’m a pumpkin lover, so I’m in major celebration mode this month.
I’ve been starting to bring out the annual standbys, like my Pumpkin Patch Kalamazoo Candle Company candles, but this season it feels like the universe is bestowing new pumpkin gifts onto us in great abundance.
Can you say, pumpkin pie hummus? Are you thrilled or disgusted by this notion? How about a spin on Starbucks’ cold brew, or a delicious, 120-calorie ice cream pop?
If you’re a pumpkin fanatic, please proceed.
Jonny Pops Pumpkin Spice & Cream
A few days ago, I saw a Hungry Girl post about the best healthy pumpkin food and drink products, and these were the very first thing on the list. They gave them an 11 out of 10, and said they were probably the best pumpkin-flavored food they’ve ever tried. That was enough incentive for me to look for them on my next visit to Target. I found them right in one of the end-cap freezers. I gave one a try today, and oh my gosh, it was delicious. There’s just the right hint of spice and a great, creamy texture, with no chalky aftertaste like with other ice cream pops. The one downside is only three come in a box, but at $3.99, that’s a lot less than a pint of Halo Top or Jeni’s. If you’re not a pumpkin fiend (and if that’s the case, thank you for continuing to read this blog post anyway), they have also introduced a gingerbread flavor for the season.
Pumpkin Pie Delighted By Hummus
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Pumpkin pie hummus, when will the madness end? But trust me on this one. As I learned a couple of years ago, dessert hummus is beyond yummy and a much better option than my beloved Nutella or other dips. I often pick up some of the dark chocolate hummus at the grocery store and pair it with pretzels to get my sweet and salty fix on. The consistency of hummus really lends itself to tasting like you’re eating brownie batter or pie filling. If you’re able to get over the fact that you’re eating chickpeas (and I promise, you won’t be able to tell), dessert hummus is a true delight. I spotted this Pumpkin Pie hummus from Delighted By when I was at Costco last week, and I had to give it a try. You can eat it by the spoonful or as a dip. I ate a small bowl of it with a couple of broken up graham crackers and a dollop of whipped cream, and man if it didn’t taste exactly like pumpkin pie! I love that with this hummus I can get my pumpkin pie fix with a healthier option and in a way that doesn’t require me to buy or make an entire pie.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew from Starbucks
I have friends to thank for me finally succumbing to a pumpkin drink at Starbucks this early in the season. Truly, it’s hard to imagine ordering a hot pumpkin spiced latte when we’ve been experiencing all of these sunny September days. But I have a special place in my heart for the Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew at Starbucks, so I was intrigued by the notion of adding pumpkin into that whole magical mix. A couple of friends tried it on the same day and shared their delight over it on social media, and that seemed reason enough for me to give it a try. I enjoyed one during a Target trip (a different one than the Jonny Pops special mission, because honestly we can all find reasons to visit Target multiple days a week, am I right) and can see what all of the fuss is about. It’s the joy and refreshment of a cold beverage with the warm fall feels of pumpkin spice flavor. I am here for it.
The jury is still out on…
Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Mix from Trader Joe’s
We can always count on Trader Joe’s to deliver when it comes to fall-flavored foods. The Lansing area still doesn’t have a TJs, so whenever I’m visiting my parents in Metro Detroit, I try to make a special trip to stock up on our family favorites. Yesterday I drove all the way to Rochester from the cottage to visit TJs, and about lost my damn mind. Pumpkin vanilla candles, butternut squash macaroni and cheese, and this delicious-sounding cookie mix. I love an oatmeal and chocolate chip cookie, so seeing a mix with pumpkin added in piqued my interest significantly. We’re still working through all of the birthday desserts (so many September birthdays in our family!) and of course, my beloved pumpkin hummus, so I’m waiting to bake these until next month. I’ll be sure to report back, but if you’re a pumpkin lover, get on over to a Trader Joe’s ASAP. You’ll be in pumpkin heaven!
Do you love pumpkin? What are your favorite pumpkin treats in the fall?
