To me fall means football, boots, sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes (PSL). While visiting Colorado in August I was shocked to find PSLs already in stock. I cringed a bit because it was still 90+ degrees and I wasn’t ready for the summer to end, but I ordered my first PSL (grande non-fat two pumps). As I took the first sip, I could almost smell the weather turn a bit colder and envision the great scarfs and boots I’d be wearing all fall. About 40 PSLs into the season and they haven’t gotten old yet, but refilling my Starbucks card has. Time to find other ways to curb my PSL addition. Thanks to the Trader Joe’s pumpkin spice coffee and the various creamers that share the same distinct fall flavors, I’m on the road to recovery.
My pumpkin craving was so strong this morning I even baked. For those of you that know me, that’s shocking. And yes, the dough was pre-made but I scooped perfectly portioned balls, pre-heated the oven, cooked them for the precise right time then placed the cookies on a rack to cool. That’s how serious I am about pumpkin.
Its seems like this year more than others, the stores are filled with everything pumpkin. A quick trip to Trader Joe’s yielded some old favorites and a few new surprises this week.
The first pumpkin spice latte came in August this year.
Whole wheat toast and this delicious spread will brighten up any day.
I’m thinking goat cheese or cream cheese on these crackers.
A yearly favorite – just add a splash of cream.
A new favorite this year – the perfect nightcap.
Pumpkin just makes mornings better.
Thanks to Smith Brothers this cookie dough shows up at my doorstep.
Um bacon and waffles anyone?
What’s your favorite pumpkin item?
Cooking with Care 
One of my (many) old roommates had a fantastic pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe. Divine. Recipe coming your way 🙂