One day last week I stopped by Trader Joe's to pick up a few things and discovered that much of their Autumn specialty foods were already on the shelves, as well as the festive fall seasonal displays.
Now if any of you know me, you know two things:
1) I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE Autumn!
2) I love all things PUMPKIN.
And not only do I love the flavor of pumpkin spice, but also the appearance of pumpkins. Whenever I see a pumpkin, I instantly smile and giggle because I think they are the most adorable-looking things. I suddenly get the urge to pick one up, hug it, and then kiss it!
Yes, I realize I sound mentally insane when it comes to pumpkins but I can't help it, that's exactly how they make me feel. Insanely happy and giddy.
Example: this is how I react when I see my first pumpkin of the year...
Anyhoo...
I decided to share some of my favorite pumpkin flavored treats from my favorite place to shop for groceries, Trader Joe's.
So please join me in a stroll down Pumpkin Lane...
Pumpkin Butter - I love to spread this on a hot, toasted English muffin, pared with a nice cup of dark roasted coffee. Yummy!
Pumpkin Cereal Bars - I take these to work and eat them for a mid-day snack.
Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Salted Caramels - Pumpkin spice caramels wrapped in dark chocolate and sprinkled with Hawaiian red sea salt -The first time I tried one of these I thought I had died and entered the gates of heaven because I could actually hear angels singing. Eating these is a cross between a spiritual experience and a mind-blowing orgasm.
Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps - I love these with a spread of cream cheese, or slices of Asiago cheese.
Pumpkin Soup - I could literally BATH in this soup!
Pumpkin Tortilla Chips - These are a new item at Trader Joe's this year and they are absolutely FAAAABULOUS! I dip them in hummus, but I'm anxious to try them dipped into pumpkin butter for a mouthwatering salty/sweet taste.
Pumpkin Ravioli - Three words. OH. MY. GOD.!
Pumpkin Pie - Out of all things pumpkin though, pumpkin pie will always be my ALL-TIME FAVORITE!
Wishing you a Happy and Pumpkin-filled Autumn Everyone!
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*with the exception of the post title photo, all other photos were found online.
Wishing you a Happy and Pumpkin-filled Autumn Everyone!
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*with the exception of the post title photo, all other photos were found online.
Mmm - how delicious! I love the colour of pumpkin (as well as the taste). I have to say those dark chocolate caramels are very very tempting.
ReplyDeleteThose caramels look yummy, but I have to confess that I have never tasted pumpkin. I haven't even seen any on sale here, unlike the old days when pumpkins shows were fabulous. Greengrocers have gone out of fashion now that the big supermarkets have taken over - perhaps that's why I don't see pumpkins.
ReplyDeleteFriday again... enjoy!
Well, the first photo rocked, Ron! Nice!
ReplyDeleteI'm mad because we were just at a Trader Joe's three weeks ago and none of this stuff was out yet! I wish there as one closer to us. My daughter loved the mango bars they had this summer. Everything looks delicious, but especially that pumpkin butter. We've tried the ravioli in the past and loved it. And those caramels look pretty darn amazing.
I'm making a pumpkin dessert for a dinner party I'm hosting tonight. Want to stop over? LOL! Have a super weekend, my friend!
"Eating these is a cross between a spiritual experience and a mind-blowing orgasm." LOL! Ron, I love your way with words! Those dark chocolate caramels look so delicious. I will have to try them the next time I go shopping. Don't you love Trader Joe's? They opened one where I live last year. I love their selection food and prices. I save so much buying my groceries there $$
ReplyDeleteI miss Autumn up north. It's just not the same here in Florida>
Have a wonderful weekend (and Autumn) Ron x
Trader Joe's is the best, isn't it? I also enjoy the taste of pumpkin, Ron. I have a cream cheese pumpkin bread recipe that is so delicious!
ReplyDeleteI also love the colors of Autumn, don't you?
" I have to say those dark chocolate caramels are very very tempting."
ReplyDeleteOMG... they are sooooooooooo decadently delicious!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Fiona! Have a great weekend!
And Happy Autumn!
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Good morning Valerie!
ReplyDeleteOMG...they are yummy beyond belief! It's hard to just eat one - ha!
" I have to confess that I have never tasted pumpkin."
Actually, pumpkin by itself has hardly any taste (or rather bland). It's only when it's mixed with spices (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg) does it take on the taste of pumpkin spice.
" unlike the old days when pumpkins shows were fabulous. "
Yes, I know what you mean. We still have a few of those here. Around this time of the year, we have what's known as "Autumn Festivals" in which they have pumpkin shows and pumpkin patches where you can select your pumpkins. They are so much fun!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy Friday and weekend!
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Gee, Ron, I get the feeling you like pumpkins, but it's hard to tell because this post is so subtle! :)
ReplyDeleteSeriously, this is a funny post and I love all those pumpkin-related products--even though I hate the onset of winter! (Pumpkin tortilla chips are a thing?!?)
Your happiness is infectious, though, and it helps take the sting out of summer's end. Take care, buddy, have a great weekend, and eat some pumpkin pie!
Thank you, Bijoux:) I actually took that photograph in front of Whole Foods, not Trader Joe's. Trader Joe's has their pumpkin display inside the store. I bought a couple mini pumpkins the last time I was there and they are so cute!
ReplyDeleteI was so totally surprised last week, when I spotted all the wonderful Autumn themed food items on display. I got so excited because there was so much of it, I got overwhelmed with what to buy. I am going back there again today, so I'll be purchasing MORE.
" And those caramels look pretty darn amazing."
They are faaaaaaaaaaabulous!!!!
"I'm making a pumpkin dessert for a dinner party I'm hosting tonight. Want to stop over? LOL! "
OMG, I would so love to! I wish we lived closer to one another.
Have a great weekend, my friend. And thanks so much for stopping by!
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Hola Denise!
ReplyDeleteOMG...you HAVE TO try those chocolates the next time you visit Trader Joe's because the taste is freaking AMAZING! I'm actually going there again today, so I will be purchasing more.
"Don't you love Trader Joe's? They opened one where I live last year. I love their selection food and prices. I save so much buying my groceries there $$"
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Trader Joe's! There is one about 13 blocks from where I live, but it is so worth the walk because I can by more food there and spend much less than shopping at any other grocery store.
Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a wonderful weekend, and HAPPY AUTUMN!!
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Ron, you and me, too -- I LOVE pumpkin! Have you tried a slice of cold pumpkin pie for breakfast, topped with whipped cream? To die for, I'm telling ya!!
ReplyDeleteWe don't have a Trader Joe's here, but it sounds like a cool place. I love this time of year, when stores get in the spirit of Fall. When clothing materials merge from cottons to flannels, when boots and jackets start showing up at the mall. This is definitely MY time of year!
(If memory serves me correctly, somebody special has a birthday coming up ... on Sunday, I believe? Hope it's a FABULOUS day for you, my friend!!) xx
Yes, Candice, Trader Joe's IS the best! I shop there a lot!
ReplyDelete" I have a cream cheese pumpkin bread recipe that is so delicious!"
OMG, that's sounds absolutely incredible!!!!! Yummy!
Yes I do, I love the all the colors associated with Autumn. All those rich golds, vibrant yellows and oranges. I also love the smell of Autumn!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy Autumn to you, and have a super weekend!
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"I get the feeling you like pumpkins, but it's hard to tell because this post is so subtle! :)"
ReplyDeleteOMG, Rob, that made me laugh out loud!!! Yeah, isn't this post SO subtle? HA!
Yes, can you believe it? Pumpkin tortilla chips! In fact, I just bought another bag today when I went to Trader Joe's. I also bought another box of those chocolate pumpkin caramels as well!
I LOVE this time of the year!
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a super weekend!
P.S. And again, CONGRATS on the publication of your new book! *cheers*
Hellooooooooooo there Debbie!
ReplyDeleteYou LOVE pumpkin too? Isn't it DELICIOUS?
"Have you tried a slice of cold pumpkin pie for breakfast, topped with whipped cream? To die for, I'm telling ya!!"
I've never had it for breakfast but I HAVE HAD IT, and you're right...to die for! I actually prefer eating pumpkin cold rather than warm or a room temp. I think it tastes better cold.
"I love this time of year, when stores get in the spirit of Fall. When clothing materials merge from cottons to flannels, when boots and jackets start showing up at the mall. This is definitely MY time of year!"
YES! YES! YES, to ALL those things! In fact, I actually had to wear a light jacket today because it was rather cool and rainy. MY time of the year as well!
Oh, I wish you had a Trader Joe's where you live because I really think you would like it. It's got such great food items that are their brand, and they are also very inexpensive. I especially love their chunky peanut butter brand.
OMG, how sweet of you to remember, yes...my birthday is on Sunday. I'm going to be 61, can you believe that?
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend, and for remembering my birthday. Have fabulous Autumn and weekend!
X to you and Dalllas
Ron, where is the Trader Joe's that you go to? I can't believe I live in Philly and don't know where it is. Is there just one or a few locations?
ReplyDeleteAll of these look so good! Those pumpkin filled caramels look so tasty. I'm a big chocolate lover but my husband could care less. I think he would really like the pumpkin ravioli. I'm with you, I love the taste of anything pumpkin. I also love the taste of ginger. This time of the year I like to get boxes of ginger snap cookies. Have you ever tasted those?
How about this Fallish weather we're having, isn't it wonderful after all that horrendous heat and humidity last month? I can't believe it's the first of October tomorrow. I love this time of the year!
Have a great weekend, Ron x
Ron, my girlfriend and I practically LIVE in Trader Joe's because not only is it less expensive than most food stores, they've got the best stuff. Their brand especially is really, really good.
ReplyDeleteI've seen most of these items you listed in the one that we shop. However, I didn't ever notice the stuffed ravioli. That sounds so good! Have you ever gotten their pumpkin spice caramel popcorn in a bag? It ROCKS! I've even seen pumpkin flavored yogurt.
Damn Ron, talking about all this pumpkin flavored food has got me suddenly very hungry. Well, off to Trader Joe's LOL!
Have a great weekend, dude!
This probably won't come as a shock, Ron, but I react the same way when I see pumpkins for the first time. Just ask Tara. I'm pretty sure I embarrassed her earlier this week when we went grocery shopping and I pretty much SQUEALED at the sight of pumpkins!
ReplyDeleteIronically, I stopped by Trader Joe's on the way home from work this afternoon and they were giving away samples of those pumpkin tortilla chips and their fall harvest salsa. They were so good I bought the salsa and will definitely be going back for the tortilla chips. Delicious! Have you tried their pumpkin pancake/waffle mix? It's incredible. Tara and I discovered it a couple of years ago and are hooked.
Have a great weekend, buddy. Hope you're enjoying some fall weather as we are!
Hey there Elaine!
ReplyDeleteThere is only one in Philly and it's on 21st and Market. I wish to god they would put another one closer to where I live. It's quite a walk but I don't care because it's worth it.
" This time of the year I like to buy boxes of ginger snap cookies. I like to dip them into a cup of coffee. Have you ever tasted those cookies?"
Yes, I have sure have tasted ginger snap cookies and I freakin' LOVE them! When I was a kid, my mother would always buy them. To this day, whenever I eat them, I always think of my mother.
I have been LOVING this weather because it feels like Autumn...finally! I am so over the summer and all that nasty heat and humidity. This past summer was THE hottest summer we've had since I've moved back east. Bring on the cold weather!!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Enjoy this weather!
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Hiya Matt!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Trader Joe's brand is outstanding! I buy so many of there own food brands. I can buy two bags of groceries and it costs so much less than if I went to one of our popular grocery stores here in Philly.
"Have you ever gotten their pumpkin spice caramel popcorn in a bag? It ROCKS! I've even seen pumpkin flavored yogurt."
Yes, I've seen those and am dying try them, especially the popcorn because it looks so delicious.
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a grrrrrreat weekend and Autumn!
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" I'm pretty sure I embarrassed her earlier this week when we went grocery shopping and I pretty much SQUEALED at the sight of pumpkins!"
ReplyDeleteHAHAHAHA! OMG, Mark, I LOVE IT You too? Aren't pumpkins the cutest dangs things you ever saw? The sight of them makes me so happy!
"They were so good I bought the salsa and will definitely be going back for the tortilla chips. Delicious! "
Aren't the freakin' deeeelicious? One of these days I have got to try them with a mild salsa!
No, I haven't seen the pumpkin pancake/waffle mix but I will most definitely look for it next week, when I go to Trader Joe's again.
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a faaaaaaaabulous weekend!
X to you and Tara
P.S. yes, I am SO enjoying this fall weather!!!!!!!
Popped in to say Happy Birthday, another day older, eh?
ReplyDeleteAw...thank you, Valerie! You're a sweetheart!
ReplyDeleteYup, another day older. I turned 61 today, can you believe it? I had to work today, but I had a very nice day. The people I work with were so festive about my birthday.
Hope you had an awesome Sunday, my friend. And thanks again for your thoughtfulness in remembering.
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Ron, I stopped by to read through your comments and read that you had a birthday today. Happy Birthday, Ron! Hope you had a wonderful day! X
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Denise! Yes, today was my birthday. And yes, I had a wonderful day. I had to work, however, I had a nice celebration by the people I work with.
ReplyDeleteThanks again, girl!
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Although I may not be quite as excited about the coming of pumpkins as you are, but I also love them. I saw most of these items at Trader Joe's myself, just a couple of days ago. As the years have gone by, more and more houses in our neighborhood have started to decorate their houses for Halloween, almost as much as they do for Christmas. I can't wait for some pumpkin pie (it will have to happen this week).
ReplyDeleteHey there Pat!
ReplyDelete"As the years have gone by, more and more houses in our neighborhood have started to decorate their houses for Halloween, almost as much as they do for Christmas."
Yes, it's the same here on the East Coast. And I really love that because my two favorite holiday celebrations are Halloween and Christmas!
"I can't wait for some pumpkin pie (it will have to happen this week)."
Isn't pumpkin pie the best? Enjoy!
Happy Autumn, buddy. And thanks so much for stopping by!
Ron, I love the animated gif, hilarious! I too love Autumn and anything pumpkin! As you know, I'm not a fan of winter (because of the cold) but I love the crisp, cool air that Autumn brings, especially after the hot, hot summer we had this year.
ReplyDeleteI've got to try those Honey Roasted pumpkin ravioli, I bet they're fabuloso!
Happy Autumn, Ron!
vHey ho Robert!
ReplyDeleteDon't ya just LOVE the change in weather once Autumn hits? It's been so beautiful cool lately. I've even had to wear a light jacket :)
*squeal*
"I've got to try those Honey Roasted pumpkin ravioli, I bet they're fabuloso!"
OMG, they to DIE for! In fact, I bought them again yesterday and had them for dinner last night. I ate the entire package!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Happy Autumn and have fabuloso week!
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Ron, forgot to mention in my previous comment about the Audrey Hepburn video on the sidebar. What a wonderful tribute to such a beautiful and talented actress!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed, Robert! I found that video several weeks ago and decided to share it. Isn't it wonderful? I loved Audrey Hepburn!!
ReplyDeleteHey Ron!! It is the strangest thing...I think Disqus must have EATEN my comment!! I am absolutely POSITIVE I wrote a very long comment on this post and "poof" it just disappeared...oh well...here we go again!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely ADORE Trader Joe's as you know...it is one of my MOST favorite places to shop! It is always fun in the fall when all of the pumpkin stuff starts arriving as I also love the taste and smell of pumpkin spice! Those caramels....I MUST have some of them!! I think I might have to drive over and get a couple boxes!! LOL There are many different pumpkin items I have not yet seen...so I better go check them out before they are sold out! Also...I see you had a birthday...and if memory serves me correctly...I think I wished you Happy Birthday over on Instagram...but Happy Birthday AGAIN my friend!! And MANY more!! Hope all is well with you...I am enjoying my most favorite season of all!! xo Jeanne and the girls!
Hello there Jeanne!
ReplyDeleteOMG, I am so sorry about that. I have no idea what happened to your comment because I checked both Blogger and Disqus dashboards to see if it landed in spam, but didn't find it. Thanks so much for stopping back and recommenting :)
Don't ya just ADORE Trader Joe's????? To me, Fall is the absolutely BEST time to shop there because of all the pumpkin spice stuff arrives. Sometimes, I get so overwhelmed by all the seasonal stuff, that I go INSANE - HA!
You will LOVE, LOVE, LOVE those caramels. I bought a box for someone I work with because she too loves pumpkin spice.
Yes, my birthday was October 2nd. I had to work that day, but I had a lovely birthday all the same.
Thanks again for stopping by, my friend. Really appreciate it.
Hope you're enjoying the BESTEST season of all....AUTUMN!
X to you and the girlz
I AM OFFICIALLY SALIVATING. OHHHH BOY are we alike. PUMPKIN !!!!! YESSSSSS!!!!!! What is funny is that the people who don't like all this pumpkin stuff get a bit ugly about it! I once posted something on FB about pumpkin spice and an acquaintance immediately posted how horrible it is and how can anyone like it. Really? A biT aggressive, don't you think? :) All the more for me. Or us!
ReplyDeleteI took pictures of some of the trader joe products to send to my mother. I MUST have that candy!!!!!! The ravioli looks incredible - I wish I wasn't gluten free!
Every year I wait for pumpkin spice to hit Dunkin so I can get an iced coffee with pumpkin spice. This year it was pretty early and just as I do every year, I DANCED and told the cashier I loved her. I have told some poor soul every year... "What?!!! Pumpkin IS here now?! I LOVE YOU!!!!"
My favorite now is a Dunkin medium iced macchiato with pumpkin on the bottom, NOT STIRRED. Then you take your straw and suck on it as you slowly move it to the bottom... then you get the layers of cream espresso and then...PUMPKIN!!!!
GREAT POST!!!!
Hellooooooooooo there Katherine!
ReplyDeleteDon't ya just LOVE anything PUMPKIN? I swear to god, anytime I go into Trader Joe's I get excitement overload from looking at all the millions of pumpkin spice items they sell. It's like pumpkin sensory overload - HA!
" I once posted something on FB about pumpkin spice and an acquaintance immediately posted how horrible it is and how can anyone like it. Really? A biT aggressive, don't you think? :) All the more for me. Or us!"
OMG, you're kidding me? Really? They get that aggressive about their dislike of pumpkin spice?? What, are they crazy? Who in the world doesn't like pumpkin?!?
"The ravioli looks incredible - I wish I wasn't gluten free!"
I bought them again a few nights ago and had them for dinner. I ate them drizzled in light marinara sauce, olive oil, fresh basil leaves, and sprinkled with Asiago cheese - to DIE for!!!
That iced macchiato with pumpkin sounds heavenly. I have got to try that!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaaaabulous week!
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P.S. I just wanted to let you know that I stopped by your blog and read your recent post and tried to leave you a comment, but the comments were turned off. Did you mean to turn your comments off?
OMG Ron, another pumpkinaholic! I looooooove pumpkin! Half the things you showed I have never heard of though. Would really love to try those pumpkins spice chocolate covered caramels! (I accept care packages, hint, hint). I have to admit though I have never had the urge to kiss a pumpkin! Hahahaha!
ReplyDeleteHey there Benze! You love pumpkins too?!?!? Aren't they faaaaaaabulous?
ReplyDelete"Half the things you showed I have never heard of though. Would really love to try those pumpkins spice chocolate covered caramels!"
They are only sold at Trader Joe's, which I don't know if you have them in Canada. Those caramels are TO DIE FOR!
"I have to admit though I have never had the urge to kiss a pumpkin! Hahahaha!"
OMG...I LOVE them!!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're enjoying a wonderful Autumn season and eating lots of pumpkin stuff!
(((((((((((((((((( YOU )))))))))))))))
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Ron, I love Pumpkin Too. The smell of pumpkin pie baking has an aroma that makes the rest of your mind feel at home. The color of the pumpkin kindles the creation (2nd) Chakra. The way a pumpkin can be carved and become something more then just another Gourd. The way a light that emanates from a candle or bulb that is placed inside a hallow carved pumpkin takes you places that you had forgotten about. Walking in a pumpkin patch on a cool yet sunny Fall day is what heaven must like. I think I just talked my self into going to Dunkin Donuts to get a Pumpkin Latte. Bottoms up.
ReplyDeleteHellooooooooo there Dave! It is SO great to see you! And btw, Happy Belated Birthday, my Libra friend!
ReplyDeleteYes, I totally agree about the aroma of pumpkin, it has such a "homey" feel. OMG, that's right...the 2nd Chakra is orange, I totally forgot about that.
Don't ya just love this time of year? It's such a cozy and comfy time - the sights, the scents, the tastes!
" I think I just talked my self into going to Dunkin Donuts to get a Pumpkin Latte. Bottoms up."
HA! Someone I work with mentioned the same thing last week, she LOVES those!
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Hope all is well with you and that you're enjoying this season!
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Oh my God, Ron - I will be heading to Trader Joe's (a store I love anyway) and snapping some of these up as soon as possible. They all sound delicious! And I feel the same way about pumpkins - they are both insanely cute and very earthy-looking to me.
ReplyDeleteDon't ya just love Trader Joe's? I keep going back every week or so just to stock up on more "pumpkin flavored stuff." The next thing I'm going to try is the Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds and Walnuts!
ReplyDeleteHappy Autumn, my friend. And thanks so much for stopping by!
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