pumpkin-palooza

You know, for all my basic white-girlness, I don't actually like pumpkin spice lattes all that much. I mean, I'd much rather hold out until November for peppermint mochas. I do, however, really like some other pumpkin-flavored things, much to B's chagrin.

So in honor of the first day of fall (and my momma's birthday!!), today I'm bringing you the best pumpkin-flavored beer, cereal, cookies, coffee, and more. You're welcome.

xoxo,
E

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Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale // Pumpkin beer is a tricky thing. It can either be really delicious, or way too pumpkin spice-y and sweet without any actual pumpkin flavor. But Shipyard gets it right. They do a phenomenal pumpkin wheat beer with the perfect balance of spice and booze. Bonus points: we've been to Shipyard Brewery in Portland, Maine, and it's fantastic. Now drink up.

Ghirardelli Pumpkin Spice Caramel Squares // I love Ghirardelli squares anyway, because they're so perfectly portioned (ummmm, unless you eat like 12 in a sitting). These combine the melty delicious milk chocolate and creamy caramel with a subtle pumpkin kick. They disappear quickly.

Fresh Market pumpkin coffee // This is how you do pumpkin coffee. Subtle, with a nice pumpkin flavor and a tiny amount of spice. Not too sweet, not too syrup-y, not too packed with additives and sugar and crap. And it's about $10 for the bag - a hell of a lot cheaper than $4 a pop.

Fresh Market pumpkin pie almonds // Ever heard of yogurt almonds? These are just like that, only not all because they are so ridiculously delicious and addictive and the perfect pumpkin flavor. You can blame my mother for this one. I am not responsible for what happens when you get addicted.

Trader Joe's Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli // The fact that my husband will eat this tells you what you need to know. It's a delicious ravioli that's easy to make. It's not overly pumpkin-y, and not pumpkin spice-y at all, but just a subtle sweet flavor. We love it lightly drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese - no sauce needed.

Trader Joe's Pumpkin Joe's Os // The best pumpkin cereal - and very possibly the best cereal, period. These aren't like Cheerios; they're more like Os cereal. And they're amazing. I've tried to cut back on sweet cereals, but...c'mon, it's once a year.

Trader Joe's Pumpkin Joe-Joes // Not to be confused with Joe's Os (how many food items can they name "Joe"?), these are basically pumpkin Oreos. I bought them at the urging of my sissy-in-law, Megan. I did not regret it. Light, creamy, and delicious, these make a great break from traditional Joe-Joes...until November/December hits and it's Candy Cane Joe-Joe time. Bring it on.

The Peanut Butter Co. Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter // I've been to The Peanut Butter Co. restaurant in NYC, but it apparently closed in February. Sad. But their peanut butter is still going strong. And this subtly flavored spread is basically amazing.