September 24, 2010

fixation friday: pumpkins


Happy Fall Everyone!!! Not that it actually feels like fall here in the South. Seriously, the other day it was 104 degrees outside. 

Dear Mother Nature,  Turn down the heat bitch!

Since I'm in a festive fall mood the one thing I can't get enough of this time of year, or for the next few months is PUMPKINS! So todays fixation is all about the lovely plump balls o' fun this time of year brings! I wouldn't say I'm obsessed with pumpkins but I do get a bit giddy when I see them start to pop up in stores and on shelves in the "Halloween/Fall" section. I get so anxious I always go to the stores too early for Halloween and Fall goodies. If they can put out Christmas stuff before they put out Thanksgiving things, why can't we have Halloween stuff in July? Just saying...I wouldn't mind one bit. This year I went to Target a few days too early - there were twitter reports that Target had set out their Halloween stuff and I was ready to rock. Unfortunately my little town of Alabama is a bit slow in many ways and this is one of them... Halloween candy does not mean you've started to display Halloween merchandise in my opinion. I'll probably be returning this weekend and stalking the stores much like a mom would stalk the toy store for the latest "IT" toy of the season for Christmas. If only we had an actual Halloween store, then I'd be in heaven.

This however isn't about my fixation with Halloween, it's about my insane love for pumpkins and all that entails. So here goes.. in no particular order...

What always gets me geared up for Fall in general and PumpkinFEST is usually the announcement that Starbucks has started their seasonal flavors with their Pumpkin Pie Spiced Lattes.

{crack in liquid form} via google

I am not a huge Starbucks person. *GASP* ... IIII KNOW! I'm just not. The coffee is amazing and I had my chance to sample this delicious treat last year while in New Orleans for Halloween.  Yep, that's the last time I had Starbucks, 1 year ago and I went all the way to New Orleans to get it. We don't have one here locally and the closest one we have is probably about 45 minutes away. Take it easy, we do have a couple independent coffee shops here locally and I adore them, no fuss, no corporate identity and loads of charm and delicious coffee. I'm not knocking the 'bucks it's just not my end all be all coffee joint.

That being said since I am Starbuck-challenged my only other comfort for my Pumpkin Pie Spiced Coffee craving is to A) hit up a local gas station and partake in the "instant" variety that will do in a pinch,  B) hit up the local adorbs coffee shops here in town OR C) pamper myself with my favorite Pumpkin Pie creamer...
{slurp, slurp, slurp, BURRRP, slurp} via google

I don't know when Walmart is going to get on the ball and actually start carrying this stuff. It's already September 24th and there is NO sign of it in the stores. I thought about hitting up the other local grocery stores and Target but thought that might be a slight too much like an addict and figured I could be patient and wait. I mean hell they already have egg nog in the coolers!!!

My fixation doesn't stop at coffee, it goes on and on and on - it's a thrill for my tastebuds this time of year so here's a run down of the yummies I love!

PUMPKIN PIE!
What's fall and the holidays without Pumpkin Pie? I don't want Pecan Pie, and I sure as hell don't want any other type of pie... I was raised on Pumpkin Pie and that's what I want to eat! Although I do want to try some sweet potato pie this year! I might also brave a pumpkin cheesecake recipe I found last night as well!
{Yeah I want some punch n' pie!} via google

Little Debbie Snackcakes - Pumpkin Delights
BLOW YOUR MIND GOOD! These don't really taste all that much like pumpkin to me though. Pumpkin pie barely, but mostly like some good spice cookies like my mother used to make every holiday when I was a kid. Bottom line though if you like pumpkin and you're watching your figure, don't bring these home!! Shana girl I'm warning you now - they are like the Oreos... Don't DO IT! I won't be buying these this year for that exact reason. I ate a whole box last year in one day!!!

{via google and amazon.com if you can believe that!}

 I know you're thinking, EWWW GROSS! But seriously, if you like squash you will enjoy Pumpkin Pasta. Especially this Recipe from Mom Advice, it sounds SO good. I tried to make a recipe from Rachel Ray last year and Mike was not impressed, but I haven't given up hope. I'd also love to find a great Pumpkin Ravioli recipe so let me know if any of you know of one!

PUMPKIN BREAD
Much like the pie, it just is SO yummy to me. Forget the banana bread, at least until this season is over!
{no nuts for me, thanks!} via google

PUMPKIN BEER & BEVERAGES
Sure you can eat lots of great Pumpkin things and their pretty to look at, but they are also delightful to drink! I can't wait to try the Ale below. Jack's Pumpkin Spice Ale it sounds right up my alley. I've had other great Pumpkin Ales and I really love Blue Moon's Harvest Ale. 

{Liquid yummy!} via google

PUMPKIN PIE MARTINI
I wrote about these last year and still I'm coveting the flavor! I hope to enjoy more than one of these this year.... I wonder if any of my local watering holes will be on the ball with these.
{Pie in a glass - I'll take two!} via google

After all those delicious treats you're no doubt tired of hearing about pumpkin but guess what, I've got more!!! You can't just please your stomach and not your eyes or nose, right?

BATH AND BODY WORKS GOODIES!
Between all the great candles, soaps and lotions I'm set for the whole season. I actually have to talk myself out of going inside the store for fear I'll spend my entire paycheck. I do have good control in there most of the time considering *fun fact* I used to work at Bath and Body Works for years while in college and I can't bring myself to pay FULL PRICE for anything in the store. This time of year makes it difficult.

B&B HAND SOAP - I NEED THIS ASAP!
{scrub a dub dub pumpkin spice tub} via google

Bath and Body Candles - YUM!
OK so none of these are Pumpkin Scented but I assure you they have about 3-4 different flavors of pumpkin scents this year and all smell amazing. My favorite candle though has to be the Autumn one. It seriously reminds me of playing in the woods around my home as a child and I think I'll need to buy about 8 of them this season!
{I always love that these say not to eat the candles} via google

You can't have Halloween without Costumes
KITTY PUMPKIN WEAR!
{Pleased or poised to kill?} via google

My cat, Angus the Rock Kitty would murder me in my sleep if I dressed him in such craziness! I won't lie thought it's really freaking cute! I love pumpkin costumes, especially on chubby babies!

 Last but never least... the best part about Pumpkins is...
DECORATING WITH THEM!!!
{via google}

I am head over heels for white pumpkins but really any pumpkins this time of year make my heart sing. I was so disappointed that our pumpkin plant didn't last through the hot summer. Truth be told it was epic and the plant was huge, we even had 1 single pumpkin that grew, however due to planting our seeds too early in the season and some random animal in our backyard eating at it, our little Great Pumpkin didn't survive. Better luck next year!

I hope you all enjoy this time of year - I've vowed I need to make it to the pumpkin patch this year because purchasing pumpkins from Wally World just isn't as fun!

HAPPY FALL EVERYONE! And I surely hope it starts to feel like the season soon for all of us!!!

What is your favorite pumpkin item, and/or part of fall?







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25 comments:

Dr. Cynicism said...

Pumpkin Spice Latte = greatest beverage that god has ever allowed to grace this earth (funny he did so through the vessel of Starbucks though). Anyhow, I'm totally on board with pumpkin mania.

Also, I will never move back down south again... grew up there for 20 some years with no fall or winter. Hated it.

Aura said...

Ahh, bring on pumpkin everything. Especially that cat hat!

Kelly @ turned UP to ELEVEN! said...

Aura your post got me started on my obsession this year!! I blame you, but in a great way :) oxox

Dr. Cyn you make SUCH a valid point - maybe I should just to go Starbucks every Sunday morning if I have to worship something I think the Pumpkin Spice Latte would be it!!! Also with the South thing. Thankfully I do get a fall here in Alabama, it's not Maryland fall but I do get one. However Winter makes me ill and sad - only flurries and no snow makes me a sad girl!

Sara said...

Pumpkin pasta? I'm intrigued and I truly hope somebody in my immediate geographical area carries this.

The weather here has been a lovely 80 degrees, but this weekend it's supposed to head to the 60s and I'm so excited.

Personally, love a scarf, I love boots and I love when the humidity goes away so I can straighten my hair.

I fear if I put that little cat outfit on any cat I've ever met, it would smother me in my sleep.

And rightly so.

Shandal said...

ACTUALLY, just today I tried Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte for the FIRST time ever! I had to see what all the fuss was about. Turns out it's worth fussing about. LOL I thought it was pretty darn good!

Hokie Sean & Kelly G. said...

Hand to God, I would take shots of pumpkin spice creamer *before* I drank my coffee. Also, I have a phenomenal recipe for pumpkin bars (like pumpkin pie, but bite-sized, thus travel sized for your convenience) that will blow your pumpkin-loving mind.

I'm new to your blog & I'm happy to have found you!

-Kelly

Anonymous said...

I love ALL things pumpkin and the LEAVES changing and wearing sweaters....... AHHHHH....autumn!

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

I saw the pumpkin delights in the store the other day for the first time this season and got so excited!!!

Anonymous said...

I am a fellow pumpkin-phile! I love any and everything pumpkin. I'd like to add the pumpkin ravioli with fried sage and toasted pine nuts at Wolfgang Puck's to this list. BEST MEAL EVER!

And Pumpkin Spice Lattes are the nectar of the Gods.
I also love the Kashi Pumpkin Spice crunch bars for a healthy snack ;)

Anonymous said...

Assolutamente d'accordo con lei. In questo nulla in vi e credo che questa sia un'ottima idea. Sono d'accordo con te.
Condivido pienamente il suo punto di vista. In questo nulla in vi e credo che questa sia un'ottima idea.

Anonymous said...

I'm definitely ready for Halloween decorations. I don't think I've ever tried anything pumpkin flavored though. I'm picky. It sounds gross.

Rach said...

Giiiiirl, you're speakin' mah language. Best time of year ever.

*Sidebar: it was 92 in Columbus, OH yesterday; record heat for the last two days. Damn you Al Gore! I wanna wear my sweaters!

I like the PS Lattes at the 'bucks, but I don't let myself get them. I figure, if I'm going to drink my calories, it's gonna be in booze form so I can at least get a nice buzz along with the gut. In that spirit (hee) I present to you:

http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-index/drink-cocktail-recipes/Pumpkin-Pie-Martinis

Mmmm!! Also delicious, and if I had a way to send you some I would:

http://www.sugardaddys.com/sugardaddysflavors.cfm?flavor=Harvest&type=brownies

This bakery is right here in the 'bus and is so freaking amazing that Ellen DeGeneres gives them to her guests, and Bobby Flay challenged them to a Throwdown. NOM!

One last one for you: this little town of 12K people is about 30 minutes south of me, and I cannot WAIT to check out the annual festival:

http://www.pumpkinshow.com/

Happy pumpkin-filled weekend!

Rach said...

PS? I'm a jerk. I just gave you the link to the exact same martini recipe that you posted LAST YEAR. Do homework first, run mouth second... seems I still haven't learned that lesson!

Anyhouse: I'm makin' 'em today before J and I head out to meet our friends at Oktoberfest... except with WHIPPED CREAM flavored vodka. Report to come later!

Cathy said...

It is full-on fall up here in MN! I love it!! I've been wearing socks and scarves and sweaters....ahhhh. It's so nice!

I too am obsessed with all things fall, including pumpkins. I have a White Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Mocha at Caribou Coffee a few weeks ago. I think I went to heaven. It was so good!

I have a really easy pumpkin flavored dip that you dip Nilla wafers in. I will post it next week!

Shana said...

Thank you for the warning. I will stay away from those. Although I took a baking class last night and I made a spice cake...no pumpkin in it, but the same kind of spices. Soooo good.

I hear you about the weather. It's hot up here too...and I'm dying for some fall-ish weather. Instead, I'm about to turn on the AC.

meredith said...

cannot wait to go out and get my pumpkins!!! woo hooo!!! and i just got that bath and body works soap last night! amazing.

Kelly @ turned UP to ELEVEN! said...

All of your comments have me SO excited for the season right now!!

Cathy I will be on pins and needles waiting for that dip recipe I need something new to bring to Thanksgiving and I thought about Pumpkin Cheesecake but the dip sounds awesome!

Rach - I always wondered what whipped cream vodka would be good for - you have answered my question. PLEASE let me know how they turn out!!

Sara I am SO excited about scarves!!! And straight hair w/out kinks and frizz!!!

Kelly - those pumpkin bars sound SO good!!!

Shana - Spice cake you must share the recipe. I love spice cake!

katskraps4kids said...

You just crack me up! I love fall & pumkins and I wanted to post to confess that I ate whole flippin box of those dang little debbie pumkin delights cakes too!

& I had to look for the creamer & my Walmart doesn't carry it either. I am not a coffee person but I thot it's be good in coco maybe...

But mainly I wanted to say that I love your blog!

snackyjackie said...

I am sooo jealous of Jules and Cathy! I miss fall soooo much. Today I just noticed that it was 85 degrees! I think that's the first day in months it wasn't in the 90's!! HOLY CRAP THAT'S OUR FALL IN FLORIDA! :/

I am so with you on the pumpkin everything. LOOOVE. OMG love going into Yankee candle or Bath and Body Works. Have you tried leaves yet? It's pretty neat. It's spicy, cinnamony, autumny... it's 'different'. I haven't been in a while so I have to go get me some new fall scents!!

By the way, I just had my first Sbux pumpkin spice latte of the season the other day... omg still soooo good. I like the Coffee-mate creamer but FOR THE LOVE OF GOD STAY FAR AWAY FROM THE INTERNATIONAL DELIGHTS CREAMER - I think it's called pumpkin PIE spice (?) Whatever it is.. IT DOESN'T TASTE ANYTHING like the Sbux. It's just icky in my op.

Ughhhhghhghhg can't wait to wear sweaters (or long sleeved shirts even!!) I just got new boots, new scarves from Prague and Budapest (yay!) and I am soo over wearing tanks and sweating like a pig.

Hooray for fall and pumpkins! :)

Jackie :)

Lora said...

pumpkin raviolis are very popular here. I like mine in a blush sauce with crab or lobster.

OMGood.

And I make this pumpkin cream cheese dip that is out of this world.

And I love pumpkin coffee.

And everything else you talked about here.

Laura said...

Oh man I love this post. Those Little Debbie Punpkin cakes are one of my favorite things about Fall for sure. And Blue Moon's Harvet Moon beer.

Now about the pumpkin pasta, I tried that exact same reciepe and it turned out HORRENDOUS. My husband still loves to pick on me about this dish and lables it "The Worst Thing I Ever Made". Yeessh, right?

Allyson said...

Holy mackerel, that's a lot of pumpkin stuff. I don't even know where to start. I do also adore the bucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte, but there are some local places that have started making it as well...so I go there first. And CoffeeMate has started selling their Peppermint mocha creamer in the dairy aisle full-time, year-round so I feel like it's only a matter of time before all of your wishes are granted. I like pumpkin pie...but I was raised on Derby Pie...which is basically pecan pie with chocolate chips...or chess pie...which is diabetic coma on a plate. I love the hayrides and the corn mazes that come with fall. And now that I'm north for the month, I'm reminded of HOW MUCH I love the fall weather. I may come north every year in October. OH...you left a pumpkin thing out, though...toasted pumpkin seeds. Seriously awesome and easy(ier) on the waistline than pumpkin spiced lattes. Although...bad for blood pressure.

I was seriously kind of dragging my ass about decorating for fall...but I think I'm ready to pull those boxes out and do it up right. Thanks for the kick in the pants, chica!

Kelly @ turned UP to ELEVEN! said...

This is what i love Allyson is that as soon as I typed this I said.. F! I forgot to mention Pumpkin Seeds I LOVE LOVE LOVE them!

. said...

HECK yes pumpkin spice! I'm so excited every time I realize it's not summer anymore and I can order my starbucks chai latte with pumpkin in it. :) yay halloweentime

Anonymous said...

Mate. This blog is amazing. How can I make it look this good ?

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