Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and it is still very much pumpkin season! Many of us agree that pumpkin flavored items are typically very pleasant and delicious. However, certain pumpkin things may not be so good, so I compiled a list of all the pumpkin-incorporated foods or items I’ve tried this season and whether they were a smash or a pass!
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pancake Mix
This pancake mix makes the perfect fall breakfast possible! I like how it’s not too sweet or overpowering, but you can definitely taste pumpkin as well as spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Try them with maple syrup, fall berries and cream, or just plain with butter! If you’re not a pancake person, this mix can also be made into waffles.
Conclusion: Smash
Chip Pumpkin Nutella Cookie
For some late-night munchies, I went to the new Chip Cookies store on 900 S. I was offered a sample of the pumpkin Nutella cookie they were featuring and really enjoyed it! I was unsure of the combo at first, since both Nutella and pumpkin bread are both typically very sweet, it didn’t seem like they would balance out well. I was definitely wrong because the cookie was amazing, and the pumpkin dough was perfect with the chocolate.
Conclusion: Smash
Pumpkin Mint Chocolate
Prior to being given some of this pumpkin mint chocolate bar, I had never tried a chocolate that had pumpkin in it. To be honest, I wasn’t even sure that something like that existed. The combo was kind of weird and I would have much rather preferred one or the other, not both together. Pumpkin mint just wasn’t a good combo to me, but some people may think otherwise. I’m not a big fan of hard chocolate/chocolate candies to begin with either.
Conclusion: Pass
Porcupine Pumpkin Cheesecake
I’m a host at Porcupine by the U and every Monday we get to try the dessert of the week. Last week, I got to try our pumpkin cheesecake. This dessert was one of the best desserts I have ever had! I may be a little biased towards Porcupine but I’m serious, this cheesecake was delicious. It was super fluffy and incorporated many different fall flavors like maple, spices, and caramel. We may have it again before the holidays so stay tuned!
Conclusion: Smash
Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer
As someone who likes my coffee with nothing but cream/milk in it, I knew I wasn’t going to like the extra sugar in the creamer. I like plain latte’s, cappuccinos, or black coffee, I don’t feel like I need extra flavor. The creamer itself was the same as any sugary creamer such as hazelnut, French vanilla, etc. While some may enjoy this flavoring, I just don’t typically choose any creamer with added sugar.
Conclusion: Pass
With Thanksgiving approaching, it’s time to take advantage of the pumpkin fall flavors while they last! Not all pumpkin foods are created equal, so try new varieties and build up some unique favorites. Happy pumpkin eating!