Feb
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin
Posted in Breads & Cakes | 2 Comments »
Name: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin
Purchased At: Starbucks
Price: $3.00 approx.
Availability: Seasonal
I have a confession . . . . . Currently, when the “Availability” says “Seasonal” I’ve written the posts either months ago during Pumpkin-Eaten Season (the start of October through the end of December) or I’m writing them after-the-fact from hurriedly written phrases found on pieces of scrap paper with words like “strong pump taste,” “artificial,” “yuck,” or “spicy.” Now that the blog is up and running and when Pumpkin-Eaten Season starts again, I’ll be timelier about getting these posts up. This post, however, is written mostly from memory.
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin was the first pumpkin product I saw in 2005. During the last week of September, I walked to the Starbucks by my work because I had once again woken up MUCH TOO LATE to make myself some breakfast. The temperature was climbing from moderately warm to hot. I was thrilled to see something pumpkin in their pastry case, not only because I love pumpkin, but also because it was a reminder that the Fall season would soon arrive and the heat would soon dissipate, at least by a little. Kudos to Starbucks! My San Francisco hippie friends will surely kick my ass for that last comment but too bad. Yes, I think their coffee sucks but their pastries are always pretty damn good.
Anyway, the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin was new this year. Last year they only had the Pumpkin Scone, which occasionally made sporadic appearances this season too (review to come later). I loved this muffin: it was yummy, it was spicy, it was always moist, and the pumpkin seeds on top were a nice crunchy addition. I hope they bring this back next season.
If it does return, I have some ideas on how to make it even better. First, I was looking on the internet for the official name of the muffin and I came across a website that lists the nutritional value. OH MY GOD, the thing has 470 calories and 220 of these are from fat. Maybe it’s a really good thing that it’s only seasonal. Second, the cream cheese-like blob on top tastes artificial/chemically. The muffin is amazing enough on its own, even without creamy blobs of stuff, and it may save on the calorie/fat content if they got rid of it. It’s just a thought.
All in all, it’s amazing but a little too sinful for my liking.
Rating: 8 out of 10