Pumpkin Passion

UGH! I’m trying to make a Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle by Paula Deen for Thanksgiving tomorrow but I just hit a major disaster.

I’ve made the recipe twice before and it always got rave reviews. This time I decided to use Trader Joe’s “Deep Dark Gingerbread Cake and Baking Mix” and it was bad…really, really bad. There is soo much ginger in this mix that it burns the back of your throat for a considerable amount of time after you swallow it. It’s just too much! Blah! I even got someone else to try it and they agreed it was really, really bad. I love their “Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix” but this is wrong!

Now, I must go out and brave the supermarket to try and find the Betty Crocker version.

Happy Thanksgiving and best wishes on your holiday baking!!!

There’s still so much going on related to pumpkins even though Halloween is just a distant memory. For instance, I’ve recently tried the pumpkin spice lollipops at See’s Candy and their pumpkin truffles. There were more pumpkin truffles at Godiva Chocolates (review coming soon but don’t rush out and buy them–they were WRONG!) and so many pumpkin waffles that it’s ridiculous.

Lately, I’ve been working on the Etsy shop, which is still under construction. I need a better welcome message and profile page. There are also more photographs that I should take and more items to be listed. However, I thought I’d give my blog readers a look at my favorite scarf that I have up on Etsy. It was hand knit with 100% soft merino wool. The colors are a beautiful warm autumnal palette of oranges, browns, and creams. Perfect for any pumpkin lover!

For the pre grand opening of my store I am offering a 20% discount on any item from now until Thanksgiving. Here’s how to get the discount:

1.) First add an item(s) from my shop to your cart and start the check out process.
2.) Enter the code ”Pumpkin Love” in the ‘notes to seller’ and the email address where the revised invoice should be sent.
3.) Complete the order but do NOT go to Paypal to pay.
4.) You will receive a revised invoice, and a link to complete payment, via email reflecting the discount.

Also, what pumpkin treats are you making for Thanksgiving? A simple pumpkin pie or something more daring? I’m making this.

It looks like the pumpkin shortage is over! Can I hear some “Hip Hip Hooray!!” I’ve seen fully stocked shelves in several different stores.

Also, last week the Hungry Girl newsletter made the announcement:

True, it’s been a rough few months of gazing at the empty market shelves where the canned pumpkin should be. But — good news — the pumpkin shortage is OVER! One thing to note: The pumpkin you get from your cans of Libby’s may have a slightly different texture than before (a little softer). However, that kind of thing happens with all-natural products and varies from crop to crop. Who cares? Pumpkin is back!

The newsletter also referenced a Daily Herald article with this tidbit of information, “The grocers said prices of canned pumpkin are essentially the same as last year.”

Let the pumpkin baking begin!

The photo is courtesy of cupcakequeen

It’s November 2nd . . . where did October go? All the pumpkin patches are gone. No more pumpkin festivals to attend. Such a downer. Is anyone else bummed that Halloween is already over?