Pumpkin, Spice, & Everything Nice
I LOVE pumpkin spice! Yes, I’m one of those people who anxiously awaits the Starbucks announcement that Pumpkin Spice is finally back! Then I immediately head to the nearest Starbucks for my Venti Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino, taking a moment to savor each sip with joy.
The yearly craze reminds me of the pumpkin spice version of Bubba Gump Shrimp. But instead of boiling, broiling, baking, & sauteing, companies incorporate it into every imaginable product known to man. Of course, it’s found in traditional products like coffee beans, creamers, and syrups; but you’ll also find it in some not-so-traditional items, as well. So I’ve gathered a list of the most outrageous products I’ve seen advertised, and I don’t necessarily suggest trying them (at all!):
- Pumpkin spice cheese (I’ve actually come across this in the stores and – surprise, surprise – it was marked down because it wasn’t selling!)
- Pumpkin spice Jell-O. It may be good; who knows?
- Pumpkin Spice cotton candy – I think I’d better stick to the more traditional flavors!
- Pumpkin Spice covered pretzels – a little salty & sweet, I imagine.
- Pumpkin Spice marshmallows – might be good in pumpkin spice hot chocolate!
- Pumpkin salsa – a blend of pumpkin & spices with traditional salsa ingredients like tomato & peppers.
- Pumpkin spice kale chips – hmmm, not sure about this one…
- Pumpkin spice yogurt – I feel like this would taste like spicy, sour pumpkin!
- Pumpkin spice alcohol – there’s jello shots, moonshine, Samuel Adams Jack-O, & Kahlua. Such a wide variety of drunken pumpkin!
- Pumpkin spice toothpaste – I’ll stick with mint, thanks!
- Pumpkin spice latte deodorant – a little sweet to cover up the sweat!
- Pumpkin spice noodle cup – nothing like dinner & dessert all in one!
And for some non-human consumption, there are pumpkin spiced-flavored dog treats and instant pumpkin spice lattes for dogs– do dogs even like pumpkin spice?
With all the weird applications aside, the combination of pumpkin and spices is a really good one, reminiscent of a cozy fire or the Thanksgiving holidays. It tastes great in baked goods, bringing that warm, spicy goodness to your taste buds. So with this in mind, here’s a recipe to make your very own spicy goodness; you can change the proportions of the ingredients to make your favorite flavors more dominant. And for those who don’t like pumpkin, no worries. There’s actually no pumpkin involved!
Pumpkin Pie Spice from Jamie of My Baking Addiction*
3 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons nutmeg
1 ½ teaspoons ground allspice
1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves
Combine spices in a small bowl; mix well to combine. Store in a small jar or spice container.
*https://www.mybakingaddiction.com/pumpkin-pie-spice-recipe/