I’ve been so wrapped up in the beginning of the school year that I had blinders on to everything else around me. Yesterday I was trying to catch up on my grocery shopping and I looked around at everything with fresh eyes. It was then I realized…The Pumpkining is upon us.
Americans. Love. Pumpkins. It’s a good thing, too, because they are everywhere.
In case you’ve ever wanted to buy a pre-baked pumpkin, these orange beauties have been baking outside for the last five days in 100°+ weather.
Do you like food? Oh good, here are 187 different pumpkin-flavored items! There’s pumpkin butter, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin oatmeal, and of course, regular pumpkin. You can drink it in a Pumpkin Spiced Latte or Pumpkin Chai Tea or you can make a pumpkin milk shake! And don’t forget to grab a stick of pumpkin lip gloss and pumpkin lotion, which you can use after you soak in your pumpkin bubble bath!
You know, I don’t want to brag or anything, but I’ve loved pumpkins since before pumpkins were cool. Back when the only flavor of pumpkin you could buy was “puree” and you used it to make pie. I was old-school. Then The Pumpkining began. When the trend first started I was like, “Pumpkin butter? That sounds disgusting.” But there was a free sample and the next thing I knew, I was buying ten jars to store in my cupboard. I was terrified I’d crave pumpkin during the dark months, aka the two months of the year that don’t sell pumpkin products (how are we expected to live?).
Some people are annoyed by The Pumpkining, but not me. In fact, I wish there were MORE pumpkin-flavored things in my life! How about pumpkin flavored milk? Yup! I’d try that. Pumpkin flavored salt? Check. Pumpkin flavored meat, chips, and cheese? Check, check, check! Bring. It. On. I am this close to rubbing pumpkin puree on my skin and telling everyone it’s an organic way to moisturize. If you pin it, it’s true.
Happy Pumpkining, everyone! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to put a pumpkin mask on my hair.
Laura says:
And it’s also one of the greatest words in the english language. I mean, seriously – pumpkin? It exudes adorable.
Heather says:
RIGHT?? But if you write it enough, it starts to look weird. Hahaha
AudNoL says:
I agree! and, couldn’t resist the search-engine bar
http://spas.about.com/od/skincare/r/pumpkin-scrub.htm
Michele says:
Yes, it’s true. I used to get pumpkin pedicures all the time.
Kate says:
There is such a thing as pumpkin spice Pringles. You are welcome.
Heather says:
OMG. I don’t know if I should try them or stay away because I need to fit into my bridesmaid dress!
amourningmom says:
Pumpkins make me happy too!
Shea says:
Did you see they have pumpkin flavored Oreos now?! Vanilla cookies with pumpkin spice filling. Haven’t tried them yet, but I want to. They must be better than the horrifying watermelon ones, which I’d like to point out I did not purchase but tried for free at work. Nope. But pumpkin spice Oreos I can handle. Pumpkin all the way!
Heather says:
Yes, they are little round slices of heaven.
Kristin says:
OMG pumpkin Oreos…I would dunk them in my pumpkin spice milk. (yes, that is a real thing from one of the local dairies here in upstate NY…)
BeccaV says:
Pumpkin FTW!!
Christy says:
I also love all the pumpkin foods this time of year. I still have some from last year that I got on clearance that haven’t expired yet.
Johanna says:
Did you know that pureed pumpkin is a great thing to give a dog that you are trying to get to lose weight? The pumpkin is super filling, yet not fattening. Another one of the many uses for pumpkin.
Heather says:
What about for ADULTS who want to lose weight? Asking for a friend.
Johanna says:
I’m sure it would work, but you would have to really really like pumpkin
Jordan says:
I would totally eat pureed pumpkin in lieu of a meal if it helped me lose weight. Freaking genius.
Leslie says:
They totally have pumpkin pie flavored milk at Wegmans here, and it is indeed delicious.
Karen says:
Not quite pumpkin milk, but in a couple months we’ll have pumpkin eggnog and I will be guying it up like hotcakes. Mmmm, pumpkin.
Karen says:
*buying
Jordan says:
that pumpkin pancake mix from Trader joe’s is where it’s at.
I’m not into *everything* pumpkin, but I do love some things. I’m excited to try the pumpkin spice oreos. I LOVE pumpkin spice hershey’s kisses. Nom nom.
Saw something on facebook about a pumpkin spice burger… no. just NO.
Heather says:
I would definitely give that burger a side-eye while simultaneously encouraging Mike to order it so I could have a bite.
Jordan says:
Hahahahaha that’s the way to do it!
I just don’t know how I feel about it. I don’t think I’d like pumpkin on something so savory. I prefer it sweet!
Annnd there’s a trader joe’s about 10 minutes from campus, so this weekend I’mma make a trip to get my hands on some pumpkin butter. mmmmmm.
Christina says:
Pumpkin spice eggnog latte, while every bot as fattening as it sounds, tastes just like a Hot Toddy, with out the ‘Toddy’ which is great if you’re working and feel you NEEEEEEED the extra oomph to deal with them without ya know getting busted for drinking on the job lol
Jackie says:
THAT sounds awesome! Pumpkin flavored eggnog. Delish!
Alyssa says:
Fall is one of my favorite times of year. I have been a pumpkin lover since I was a kid, so this huge rush in the last few years of pumpkin things, has made fall more wonderful. Years upon years ago way before this pumpkin resurgence came about I found a pumpkin hair conditioner (no clue where I found it or who makes it now… we’re talking 10 years at least) that was amazing. It made my hair smell like like pumpkin pie, but not the gross fake candle version of it. When I finally ran out after months of using it very sparingly I tried to find it and never could. Worst day ever!
Now I really want some of those pumpkin spice pringles that a previous poster mentioned!
Val says:
“If you pin it, it’s true.” I’m dying. This is the funniest sentence you have ever written.
Shannon says:
Hi my name is Shannon…and gasp……..I don’t like pumpkin. Am I the only one? My baby does..so I help him make homemade pumpkin pies… I don’t mind at all… but as for me….nope…yuck.
Heather says:
My dad doesn’t like pumpkin, either. I feel like the two of you need a support group at this time of year.
LindaW says:
haha i was gonna say, i’m pretty sure i’m one of like, 5 Americans who hates pumpkin. i agree we should start a support group.
Annalisa says:
Me too. The only way I willingly eat pumpkin is when it’s roasted to make pumpkin sage risotto.
(I also…GASP… bake all sorts of pies between Halloween and Christmas, but none of them are pumpkin flavored).
Lauren B says:
Just finished my Pumpkin Spice Chobani yogurt. I need all the pumpkin.
Megan says:
OMG, Chobani makes pumpkin spice yogurt? Maybe it’s better than the Trader Joe’s pumpkin yogurt? I should buy both and write a blog post comparing the two.
I realized when I bought pumpkin spice M&Ms last year that there is such a thing as too much pumpkin. It occurred to me…wait a second…pumpkin spice is just cinnamon, nutmug and a couple of other spices, and if they called them “cinnamon M&Ms” would I ever buy them? NO. And this year, I’m having to remind myself that the pumpkin spice candy corn is probably equally disgusting.
But I love me some pumpkin/pumpkin spice granola bars, lattes, eggnog, soup, ice cream, butter…
And omg I can’t wait to try the Oreos.
And the beer. Don’t forget the beer. Suddenly this year, the pumpkin beer options have quadrupled. And I must try them all.
Like every single other 30-something woman in the U.S., fall is my favorite season. Don’t judge. But I liked fall before it was cool.
Heather says:
My friends were at a bar this weekend and they ordered pumpkin beer…when it came out, the rims of the mugs were coated in cinnamon and sugar. I CANNOT EVEN HANDLE MY JEALOUSY.
Katie says:
I moved from Illinois to the UK and pumpkin is my most missed item. I can manage to get pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks. All other pumpkin doesn’t exist. So much sadness.
My hometown hosts the pumpkin festival every year and how I long to get big scoops of pumpkin ice cream and other delightful pumpkin delicacies.
Heather says:
Oh pumpkin ice cream excuse me while I drown in my own drool.
Jordan says:
if y’all have Dairy Queens in California, currently they’re doing Pumpkin Pie blizzards! Nommmm.
Glenda says:
Oh my Pumpkin!!! I love! I bought extra K-cups “pumpkin spice coffee” and have been enjoying it throughout the past year I’ve got to try the pumpkin spice pringles and oreos…oh my!!! Will be shopping today for those two items
Heather says:
YOU JUST REMINDED ME THAT I HAVE PUMPKIN K-CUPS. God bless you.
Glenda says:
yay! go make yourself a cup of pumpkin spice coffee YUM!!!
Connie says:
I love Pumpkin. I think I should start a seperate Pinterest board for Pumpkin things. The very first day I could get a Pumpkin Spiced Latte at Starbucks, I sure did. I made a pumpkin pie “smoothie” at home last year. Pureed pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice to taste, ice, greek yogurt and milk, and graham crackers. Boom.
Heather says:
I wish I could post a picture of my face in response to this comment. My mouth is hanging open and my eyes look vacant as I try to think if I have all of the ingredients to make this masterpiece.
Vicky says:
I don’t have the pumpkin-loving gene. Not only do I despise all things pumpkin-flavored or pumpkin-scented, I don’t even like the word pumpkin. Yes, it’s a difficult time of year for me.
Heather says:
You can go sit with my dad, he’s not a pumpkin fan, either.
Rie says:
Same here. Gag.
Gwensarah says:
I heart the Pumpkining SO MUCH. My ONLY complaint is that this heatwave the west is getting right now is putting a damper on it. It goes so much better with crisp Fall weather NOT mid to upper 90’s. >_<
Heather says:
RIGHT? I really want to make some pumpkin coffee but it’s currently 1,000 degrees outside.
Anna says:
My personal favorite pumpkin junk food has to be the pumpkin Pop-tarts. Tastes like pumpkin pie! I also make a pumpkin sauce for pasta at least once every fall.
Heather says:
It’s taking all of my willpower to not buy the pop-tarts right now. The day after my cousin’s wedding I’m going to buy like six boxes.
KateB says:
Made these cookies this morning for a Teacher Appreciation Dinner and they are so, so good!
http://www.mommyskitchen.net/2009/10/oatmeal-scotchies-gone-pumpkin-plus.html
Heather says:
Oh my gooooooooooood I am drooling hard right now, not even ashamed.
Momma Lioness Michele says:
I was just at Trader Joe’s today and was able to get pumpkin ravioli and pancake mix, but the pumpkin butter was already sold out. Jealous of all the pumpkin butter in your first photo!
Heather says:
Your Trader Joe’s doesn’t have any pumpkin butter because I bought it all. Sorry not sorry.
Tami says:
Yum, pumpkin! I look forward to this season all year long… Pumpkin pancakes are my favorite. I’ve never tried the Trader Joe’s mix but I’ll have to give it a shot!
Gretchen says:
I have some great recipes for pumpkin chili, pumpkin polenta, and pumpkin risotto. Aaaaaand now I’m hungry.
Maria Keil says:
Love all things pumpkin but especially pumpkin bread. I have a recipe for chocolate chip pumpkin bread that is to die for!
Gina G says:
The Trader Joe’s pumpkin biscotti are life changing. Last year they sold out in early October and I almost cried. No joke.
Jackie says:
This post made me giggle…first, because of the pumpkins baking in the sun but mostly because I can feel your exuberant love of all things pumpkin! I love pumpkin flavor but I have to say, it’s gotting really crazy over the past few year. Says the girl that can eat a whole pie by herself!! YUM!
Lisa says:
My mom makes pumpkin apple muffies and I would say that they and her pumpkin cookies are the best thing about fall…… But we make them all year long
Kirsty says:
As a Brit, I’m afraid I’m immune to all this pumpkin love (though I do love the word). Here in France, it’s pretty much impossible to buy anything pumpkin-y other than actual pumpkins, pumpkin soup (which I do like) and…er… that’s it, actually. I tried to make the soup one year and it was disgusting; the next year I tried to make a pie (something I’ve never even tasted) and it was…meh. A lot of effort for something I would have preferred with apple. But I hope you enjoy all your pumpkin-flavoured stuff (some of it seems soooo bizarre to me, I must say. Must be a cultural thing… :-)!
Bianca says:
I’m another Brit living in France and I LOVE pumpkin. Not sure what one of the earlier commenters was on about, though, with regards to obtaining pumpkin in the UK. You can definitely get fresh pumpkin and make anything you want with it! I love pumpkin pie
Here in France you can buy frozen pumpkin cubes, frozen pumpkin purée (also in cube form…convenient), and frozen pumpkin (as well as all kinds of other delicious squashes). Can’t wait for autumn! Summer is my least favourite season, and autumn may well be my second favourite after winter. It needs to hurry up :p
Pumpkin-flavoured Oreos and Pop-tarts sound delicious to me *drools* Best get searching for somewhere to buy them online!
Christa says:
Every Christmas since before my mom was born in the 1950’s, my family has been making pumpkin cookies with chocolate chips and a brown sugar frosting. I used to tell people that they were my favorite cookies (because, well, they’re that awesome) and I’ll never forget the disgusted looks on their faces at the thought of pumpkin in cookies. So, my mom taught me to tell people to eat a cookie before telling them what it was made out with. Recently, I’ve been seeing these cookies pop up all over pinterest like this is a brand new recipe that no one’s ever made before (and they sadly never have the chocolate chips, so clearly its an inferior recipe haha). So, yeah, I’ve been loving on all things pumpkin well before it was cool