Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice

Despite the last post where it was anything but pumpkin spice, I would be remiss if I did not include it.

On August 24, the release of the pumpkin spice latte has once again created a frenzy in the dessert drinking, caffeine wielding consumers. By this point, grocery stores have placed their in-aisle cut-outs, end displays and manager specials with the autumn seasonal items of, you guessed it, PUMPKIN SPICE.

They have unequivocally zeroed in on the predominantly high traffic areas to catch the customer’s attention. Displays are littered with everything pumpkin, from pumpkin spice almonds to pumpkin spice graham crackers to pumpkin spice protein powder. It’s everywhere. Want some pasta sauce or cereal laden in it? You got it. And this obsession seems to be growing, stores capitalizing on it any which way they can.  

Pumpkin spice is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves and sometimes ginger. Everything you want in a pumpkin pie. Then the marketing geniuses jumped in and somehow thought to make it seem like its own prolific holiday.

Currently, it sounds like a have a distaste for pumpkin. I don’t. Truly. I just don’t have a handle as to why people love the artificial versions so much more. In fact, I am one of those people who come September 1 is ready to break out my sweaters, scarfs and new boots. (How are we wearing wide leg pants come rainy weather, BTW?!?)  And even though summer is still letting it out its last sighs of hot weather, I’m dishing out baking filled with pumpkin spice.

This flavour is utterly rooted in the spirit of autumn. Like spring, fall indicates a new change of season – one of rebirth. It’s back to school, a fresh slate, a “new year”, the start of the holiday season. You start to feel the first chills in the air, witness the leaves suddenly altering their appearance, and have the urge for nesting. Like the concept of hygge, you find comfort at home and nestle in the couch cushions with a good book, feeling less conscious of the outside world.

For me, the notion of pumpkin (convenience food aside) brings a nostalgic boost of bringing people together. Already, the kids are sitting at the counter while I bake, just waiting to lick the spoons and spatulas from my latest baking projects. Soon as the weather cools down I, like countless others, celebrate the unofficial start to baking season using flavours that are just oh-so particularly suited for this time of year.

Here, I’ve gathered some of my timeless pumpkin recipes for you to try. Perhaps then you can bypass the Pumpkin Spice Flavor Ramen Noodles in Sauce.

Pumpkin Pie Spice