Pumpkin All the Things

As soon as the leaves change color and children head back to school with crisp shirts, organized backpacks, and clean shoes, the season is upon us. Welcome to stores, coffee shops, and bakeries everywhere: all things pumpkin! It is a favorite of mine and thusly I have been inspired to try anything and everything pumpkin flavored and craft a list of 10 pumpkin treats that I have tried and enjoyed (or not so much). This list is in no particular order. 

1. Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Latte

Celebrating it's 10 year anniversary this year (2013), Starbuck's Pumpkin Spiced Latte has been a staple and a sure symbol that fall is upon us. Over the years, either my tastes have changed, or the syrup has, but I have to request less syrup as it is far too sweet with all the pumps of syrup that go along with a Grande Nonfat PSL (what those in the know refer to it as). None the less it is delicious and I always enjoy the warm spice and caffeine boost. It is a nice alternative to the Chai Latte.

2. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Pumpkin Latte

Until this year I was solidly in Starbuck's corner in support of their Pumpkin Spice Latte, however upon receiving a text message from a well trusted fellow pumpkin fanatic I was persuaded to try Coffee Bean's version: Pumpkin Latte. I felt like I was cheating on Starbuck's, but it came highly recommended and I could not pass up the opportunity to try it. It is really lovely. Just as sweet as Starbuck's, it is smoother somehow and a little more pleasant. I hate to say it, but I think I prefer this over my beloved Starbuck's. Please, no one tell the Mermaid.

3. Pumpkin Pie Poptarts

Ah, nothing beats a pastry treat topped with frosting and weird looking sprinkles - or whatever those things on top of the tart are called. Pumpkin pie poptarts are wonderfully delicious tasting more sweet than anything with a pumpkin pie spice flavor rather than actual pumpkin.
Bonus: they make the house smell like baking pumpkin pie when toasting.

4. Trader Joe's Pumpkin Walked into a Bar Breakfast Bar

This is not much different than any of those other breakfast bars we have come to know and see in stores, but I like that it is offered in this flavor. It is fun for fall and I like that it is a seasonal thing. I do not know that I would qualify it as a breakfast food, but it is a nice afternoon treat.

5. Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

These cookies are not terrible as cookies go, but slightly disappointing. Made by Pepperidge Farm they are neither very cheesecake-y or pumpkin-y. They are filled with white chocolate chunks and have an orange tinge which is, I guess, what makes them "pumpkin." I would pass on these for something more satisfying.

6. See's Pumpkin Pie Truffle

Again, I am convinced tastes change. When first I tried these delectable treats I was completely taken with them and promised to buy a pound of them next time they were available. I did such and was completely let down. Somehow the pumpkin flavor and the chocolate fight with each other and I am not crazy about the outcome in my mouth. It's just a mess. The chocolate is missing a smooth flavor and does not convey the warm lovely feeling that pumpkin usually bestows upon the one partaking.

7. Ghirardelli Pumpkin Spice Caramels

Where See's candy went wildly astray with their truffles, Ghirardelli nailed it with their caramels. Smooth, soft and perfectly pumpkin spiced these are certainly a favorite to all those who love chocolate, caramel and pumpkin. They literally melt in your mouth. One square is usually enough to satiate your need for pumpkin deliciousness so a bag lasts quite a while, meaning you can still enjoy these treats well into spring if you are disciplined enough (I am not).

8. Noah's Pumpkin Bagel

Clearly I like all things pumpkin. I like Noah's pumpkin bagel because it is not super sweet on its own. Very mild is the pumpkin flavor, and I appreciate that. This way you can top it with whatever you like.

9. Noah's Pumpkin Schmear

Now, to turn that mild pumpkin bagel into a dessert just add Noah's pumpkin schmear. It is amazing!! But fairly sweet. That's ok though because it balances well with the bagel. Another pumpkin cream cheese that is good comes from the ever wonderful Trader Joe's.

10. Dreyer's Pumpkin Ice Cream

When I was younger, there was a frozen yogurt store by my house that made the most perfect pumpkin yogurt. Well balanced between creamy, pumpkin spice and sweet it was always a fall favorite. Sadly, as years went on and privately owned companies of any kind went belly up - so did the charming frozen yogurt shop with its amazing pumpkin yogurt. Since then I have searched for a match, but nothing has been as good - until this year. I am sure Dreyer's has made pumpkin ice cream for ages but somehow I have missed it. Let me tell you, it is delicious!! I easily devoured the first carton I bought and now I can't find anymore but it is creamy and meets all the qualifications for an excellent pumpkin treat. Suggestion: add some crushed graham cracker or a little whipped cream - or both!!

Peanut Butter Ball

Cupcakes? No, need a break. Whoopie pies? Naw. Rice Krispie treats? Not quite, too regular. Hmmm, what to make? This year when Paul and I were invited to a Super Bowl party I was pondering what dessert to make. I love making my cupcakes, but this group has probably had enough of those for a while and I wanted to try something a little bit new. I took to my "Foodie" pinboard on Pinterest and found something that looked easy enough to try, and I had yet to see it pop up at other events. I decided to make a peanut butter ball, much like a cheese ball but more delicious. I would suggest, if you are going to make this as a treat do not go the reduced fat route (Although, as you will notice I did get reduced fat Nilla Wafers). Just go big or go home. Also, do not use all natural peanut butter.

WARNING: The wonderful dessert you are about to create is very peanut buttery, if you do not like peanut butter maybe this is not for you! Also, if you do not like peanut butter we may have a problem.

Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (this is what the original recipe called for, I went closer to a cup)
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
3/4 cup chocolate chip (either semisweet or milk chocolate, although I imagine you could also use dark chocolate and it would be just as delicious)
3/4 cup peanut butter chips
Graham crackers, Nilla wafers, or whatever your imagination comes up with for dipping. I think I will try Oreos next. :)

First beat together the cream cheese, peanut butter, brown sugar, and powdered sugar in a large bowl until well mixed. Then scoop the mixture into a large piece of plastic wrap. Gather all four edges together, twist tightly and make a ball. It does not need to be perfect or pretty as you will later be covering it in peanut butter and chocolate chips. Place in the freezer for an hour and a half.

Mix together your peanut butter and chocolate chips. Lay them out in a large dish, or even the dish you plan to later serve on. Unwrap your peanut butter ball from the plastic wrap and place it on top of the chocolate chips. Roll the ball in the chips. For me it was easier to just take handfuls of the chips and press them into the ball. You do not want any bald spots. Once you are done with this, place the ball back into the freezer and freeze for two hours. If you have freezer room you can put the peanut butter ball back in the freezer on the serving dish or you can just move your peanut butter ball to a smaller dish for this part. You can also freeze over night, but if you do let it sit out for 20-30 minutes before you serve.

Serve with whatever vehicle you have chosen for getting the peanut butter goodness from the plate to your mouth. This is an excellent, no bake alternative to a delicious dessert.

Baker's rating: Easy