Falling for Pumpkin

Fall.....cool, brisk days; football games; the color of the leaves as they change; pumpkin flavored desserts....these are a few of the things that I love about fall.  Here in southern California, the weather isn't exactly "fall-like" (110 degrees last week!).  However, while shopping in Target the other day, I noticed several new pumpkin flavored foods and beverages and that made it seem a little more like "fall".

So, I thought it'd be fun to share a couple of pumpkin flavored things, two new items and two long-standing favorites that I am loving this season.

1)  Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino -  This is a long-standing favorite for me.  I actually prefer this cold blended version versus the hot version.  The cold seems to bring out more of the pumpkin flavor and has a little sweeter taste than the hot one does.

2) Fresh & Easy's Pumpkin Pecan Pancake Mix - It makes the most delicious pancakes I've ever had!  Try it with a few butterscotch baking chips mixed in the batter and top with a drizzle of caramel sauce and whipped cream....YUM!  If you don't live near a Fresh & Easy, you might want to make friends with someone who does and have them ship some to you to try :-)

3) Philadelphia Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese - Saw this new, limited edition in Target and HAD to try it :-)  It's the perfect blend of sweet and savory.  I've tried it spread on wheat bread and also dipped honey graham sticks in it....delicious!

4) Panera's Pumpkin Pie Bagel - Tried this yesterday with the recommended New York Style Cheesecake Cream Cheese.....it was SO good!  The bagel is described as "pumpkin and spice with a crumb topping and cinnamon sugar mixture, sprinkled with powdered sugar", which by itself would be scrumptious.  But if you add the cheesecake cream cheese, which tastes like cream cheese frosting, it's practically dessert!

So celebrate the new season by adding a little "pumpkin" to your day.  Happy FALL everyone!