Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Pumpkinlicious

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Fall is here whether the temperature reflects it or not. How do I know? Because "pumpkin mania" has hit the public. That's right. Each year at this time vendors everywhere pull out their secret fall weapon and consumers (or at least this one) are putty in their hands buying it up left and right. It's kind of like a rite of passage into autumn along with changing leaves, football season, and the State Fair. So here are some of my favorite pumpkin indulgences so far this year:

1. The Pumpkin Spice Latte at your neighborhood Starbucks
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"a delicious blend of pumpkin and traditional fall spice flavors combined with our signature espresso and freshly steamed milk, and topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices."
Ah, that is the essence of fall itself. But I usually go nonfat milk and hold the whip. I figure this way I can have more of them...they're only for a limited time, people.

2. The Einstein Brothers Pumpkin Bagel and Pumpkin Cream Cheese
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Divine. I loved every bite of this one going down. My friend Meredith told me about this Sunday night, and by Monday at lunch I had to try one. So, I figured I would run an errand to Babies R Us, which happens to be right across the street from Einstein's. I just had to stop in since I was so close.

3. Kashi's Pumpkin Spice granola bars
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"Baked with whole flaxseeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, and a magical blend of spices, our Pumpkin Spice Flax granola bars have 4g of Fiber, 6g of Protein and 300mg of Omega-3s."
Perfect for some pumpkin on the go.

4. Pumpkin Pie
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The tried and true classic which got me hooked in the first place. My Aunt Bunny makes the best.

5. Frosted Pumpkin Squares
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I took this recipe to Bible Study today, and it did not disappoint. And even if you accidentally put in 1 whole Teaspoon of baking powder instead of just 1/2, it will still turn out great! Not that I know this from experience or anything...enjoy!

1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup cream cheese
2 Tbs. butter softened
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350. Grease or spray 9 in. square pan.
Cake: In bowl, medium speed, mix together sugar, eggs for 2 minutes. Beat in pumpkin and oil. Low speed: add flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and beat for 1 minute. Pour into pan - bake for 25-30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Icing: mix low speed: powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla 2 minutes or until fluffy. Frost.

18 comments:

Kristyn said...

I am soooo glad that you shared this recipe. I am making some as soon as I can. They were DELISH!! (is that a word?) Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

I also recommend the pumkin cake doughnut at Krispy Kreme. It's seasonal, too, and is de-li-cious!

I love fall!

Finally an Abrigg..... said...

I had the pumpkin bagel on Sunday morning. In my head I thought it would be sweet enough to just have regular cream cheese. I was wrong. Next time I will get it with the pumpkin cream cheese on top!

Sum said...

hmmm. you know nat, I have never much gotten into the pumpkin thing. Maybe I should give it another try.

Lauren said...

Love the pumpkin spice latte. I was disappointed I wasn't able to try the cake!! It looked soooo good! :) Super damp too.... :) ha!

the corsos said...

My heart leaps with joy! The pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin cream cheese are two of my favorites! I may have to try the pumpkin flax granola bars.

Lauren Williams said...

my favorite is pumpkin seeds! yum

Andrea "The H family" said...

Great graphics. I had a pumpkin spice latte today. (fat free no whip of course)
Hugs---A

Bex said...

mmmmmmmmmm!

Those Tonnes said...

i also really like pumpkin spice candles. I just bought one today from Pier One and it is in a ceramic pumpkin. It smells so good. I am going to have to try that bagel this week, it sounds awesome. And I didn't know you tagged me for the man thing, matt tagged me too, when I get home to Lewisville I will blog about him. Hope you enjoy reading about Matt, I enjoyed reading about Josh

Meredith said...

This consumer is a sucker for pumpkins too! I love everything pumpkin and can't wait to try the recipe! Great post/creative idea!

Tip Junkie said...

What a great post!! That is so true isn't it! I love pumpkin desserts this time of year.

Meredith said...

Can't wait to try out that recipe! Thanks for sharing! Good idea for blogging too...maybe I'll post a recipe every now and then!

olivia and henry said...

wow, all of these sound SO good!!!! thanks for the reminder ;)
btw~ i take it as a HUGE compliment that henry reminds you of james!!!! your brother is so sweet and handsome!

Sunni at The Flying Mum said...

I'm getting a pumpking bagel ASAP!

And those pumpkin squares look divine!

Tiffani said...

AMEN!! I am obsessed with the pumpkin flavors of fall! I had no idea it was time for the Pumpkin Spice Latte to come out again...I think I might have scared the Starbucks girl when I realized I could finally order one again! My friend told me about the bagels...I'll have to go try one ASAP & I will be trying out your recipe!

Courtney Hofmann said...

hey natalie! i just wanted to say hi and tell you that it was so good to meet you last night! i hope to see you around soon :)

Craig and Angela said...

Hey Natalie! I saw your blog from Kristen Tonne's and I tried your pumkin squares recipe for a party. They were GREAT! Everyone loved them. Thanks for sharing the recipe! I need all the help I can get when it comes to cooking :)