Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Top 10 Most Amazing Pumpkin Goodies (in a store near you) this Fall!

That's right friends.  We are entering the best season of all...PUMPKIN Season, and I'm here to guide you to the yummiest, most exciting pumpkin products on the market!!  Below you will find 10 of my favorite pumpkin treats that you can find in a store near you!!  When you need an immediate pumpkin fix...I'll show you where to go!!
Enjoy...I know I am!!

1.  DUNKIN' DONUTS PUMPKIN MUFFIN



Ok, first up is the #1 thing I look forward to during this glorious season.  As a PUMPKIN ADDICT that is a big statement.  What is it??  Well, it's the Pumpkin Muffin from Dunkin Donuts.  I know you're thinking...really?  But trust me.  One bite into this "not so little" muffin will have you reeling into pumpkin oblivion.  It's like having a pumpkin cake all to yourself.  I don't know how they do it, but it's consistently the moistest muffin I have ever had...in my lifetime.


Quick Important Tip:  Some Locations are stingy on the icing drizzle on top, or they don't do it at all. If this is the case...leave immediately and go to the one down the block.  It's worth it, believe me!!!  Mmmmmmmmmmm!


2.  EDY'S SLOW CHURNED PUMPKIN ICE CREAM

              

I know you're thinking...another store bought generic item??  But I promise these treats deliver in a BIG way, and deserve the serious shout out!  My second pick is Edy's Slow Churned Pumpkin Ice Cream.  You can find it in your Grocery Store!  Now, they have it in a non-reduced fat version as well, and to me...it tastes exactly the same so why not get the healthier version, and eat more of it!!  Haha!  This creamy ice cream has only 90 calories per serving so get in there spoon in hand, and your taste buds will thank you.  I'm not gonna lie...I just had some a few minutes ago.  First scoop of the season!!  Just as amazing as I remember.

3.  SWEET CINNAMON PUMPKIN LIP GLOSS




Don't have access to a delicious pumpkin pastry, or trying to fit into your skinny jeans and are taking a break from the sweets?? (Don't do it...Not during pumpkin season!)  Well, here is a scrumptious treat for your lips.  It's the Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Lip Gloss from Bath & Body Works.  It really is like instant dessert, without the guilt!!  It has a bit of shine and sparkle to it so it looks great and the real essence of pumpkin pie will have you glowing from ear to ear.  Go grab this now before it's all gone!










4.  PUMPKIN SPICED LATTE or PUMPKIN ICED COFFEE

What about when you need something to wash down your delicious pumpkin goodies?  Well, I'm sure it's no surprise what #4 is.  It's the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks.  Delivers every time and man is it good!  I have to get mine decaf ('cause I'm old and sensitive), and I get it non fat without the whipped cream, and it is still just as good as the whole shebang (is that a word??!!)  I say enjoy pumpkin everyday...just find ways to cut corners here and there without losing the quality and satisfaction!



Now if you're going to have an ICED pumpkin beverage, I have to hand it over to my friends back at Dunkin' Donuts once again!  Their pumpkin iced coffee is amazing, and is more spicy than an iced Starbucks.  I go for a medium decaf iced pumpkin coffee with half the pumpkin syrup they usually put.  1/2 is plenty.  Soooooo good!




5.  PUMPKIN PANCAKES

When it comes to starting your morning off like royalty, there is nothing better than a big pile of delectable pumpkin pancakes.  Cover them in pure maple syrup and whipped cream and there is absolutely nothing else like it.  Best news of all is there are a few different options that are all so good they are worth mentioning.  Whether you want to stay in your jammies and enjoy them with a big cup of java at home, or you want to venture out and enjoy them I have you covered.



Stay at home option #1 can be found...well where else?  The mecca: TARGET.  This mix by Archer Farms delivers in a big big way.  Just follow the directions and you will be in breakfast or brunch bliss.  They got it right on the money.  No substitutions necessary. 






Stay at home option #2 I have to admit I haven't personally tried myself.  However I have been told by Countless people that it is amazing, and a must try.  Judging by how fast it flies off the shelves at Trader Joe's during the season, I have to go ahead and say I think they must have a good thing going!  Last year I tried to get it countless different times and they were always sold out.  I'm happy to say I'm the lucky owner of 2 boxes that I bought today!







If you want to treat yourself to a cheap breakfast out, IHOP is the place.  Yep, you heard me.  They seriously have crack in their batter.  They are SOOOOOOO good.  I know it sounds sketchy but get on it...I wouldn't steer you wrong.




6.  PUMPKIN SMASH SMOOTHIE
Jamba Juice gets it right once again.  This creamy dreamy pumpkin smoothie covers all the basis.  Made with real pumpkin, it's not overly sweet and it really satisfies.  I always try to be good and order a small size but sometimes I can't help myself...Don't judge.  I always find myself praying that they make too much and have to give me a super size!!  This is my friend and fellow pumpkin enthusiast Johanna's favorite too...she knows whats up!
Haven't had one yet this season...I think that's going to have to happen this week.  Enjoy!





7.  DANIELLE PUMPKIN CHIPS
I found these by accident a couple months ago, and I'm so happy I did.  I think we all have probably tried delicious sweet potato chips of some sort by now, but these pumpkin chips are really different and in a class of their own.  They are the perfect all natural salty snack.  I found them at Whole Foods, but I'm seeing them around more and more...Yay!  Only downside is they are a bit pricey, but I promise it's worth it.  It's ok to indulge from time to time!!  Go get your salty pumpkin on!!



8.  GHIRARDELLI MILK & PUMPKIN SPICE CARAMEL CHOCOLATE SQUARES





I know I put these in a post earlier this year but I have one word for these...AMAZING!!  My friend Jason told me about these last year and when I tried them,  It made me mad....'cause they were so good!!!  I haven't seen them on the shelves yet this fall season but I'm giving you plenty of notice...get into your local candy aisle and search.  Target usually has them!!  The combination of smooth caramel and spicy pumpkin with milk chocolate will send your heart and taste buds racing!!  Your welcome!!!







9.  PUMPKIN BUTTER

Another home run for Trader Joe's.  This pumpkin butter is sent from the Gods...and has so many options!  You can slather it on pancakes, muffins, scones or crackers and at only 40 calories per serving you can go for it!!  It's my favorite on a toasted whole wheat english muffin!  Soooooo good with a hot cup of spicy chai tea.  Now that's how to start your morning off right!




10.  CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE with PUMPKIN FROSTING

















Last but not least is a personal favorite of mine.  Unfortunately, this can only be enjoyed by New Yorkers but if you live outside the area, you might want to start looking into plane tickets because this cupcake is worth it!  Many of you know I worked at a cupcake shop last year called Butter Lane.  It is still to this day the best cupcake I have ever had.    The perfect fall match up is their incredible chocolate cupcake with their seasonal pumpkin frosting on top.  It is a magical combination and my mouth is watering right now just thinking about it.  I would truly have atleast one a day when I worked there...they are dangerous.  If you are a NYC resident, you have no excuse.  Get to 7th Street between 1st and A immediately...and tell them I sent you!! 


Well that's it for now...go out and get your fix, and tell me what was your favorite!  Be on the lookout for my next post, I will be counting down my top 10 favorite Pumpkin recipes including my famous pumpkin chocolate chip cookies!!


Have an awesome start to this awesome season!!


xo
Jenn

Friday, April 1, 2011

Fitness Friendly Peanut Butter Protein Balls!

So, I know it's not Pumpkin but it's my other obsession...Peanut Butter!!  These are so good and easy to make-I had to share them!  They are perfect for a snack pre or post workout, or if you have a craving for a cookie or delicious baked good.  This will satisfy any sweet tooth and give you a boost as well as a smile from ear to ear!  I can't wait for you to try these!!  Ok-here is your ingredient list:


1 cup honey
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup oats
3 scoops protein powder
craisins, nuts, other dried fruit to taste
cinnamon to your taste


Start with a saucepan on the stove.  Put one cup of honey, and one cup of your favorite peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, i like to use natural crunchy pb because it gives it extra crunch and texture).  Heat that on low until they blend and you can stir it easily.


Turn the heat off.  Next add in your oats and protein powder and mix in completely.  Then add as much dried fruit, nuts, or anything else that sounds good to you (i like to use craisins and/or dried apricots).  Sprinkle in some cinnamon!Once it's all mixed in, take the pan and put it in the fridge for at least an hour to toughen up a bit.  



While those are toughening up, take some tupperware and line it with a sheet of parchment paper.  Once your hour has passed take the pan out.  Now simply take your mixture and roll it into 1" balls (or as big or small as you want) and place them in the tupperware.  Then return them to the fridge and wait for your next craving!!!  YUMMMMM!



Guilt free indulgences...what more can we ask for??  My husband and I are obsessed with these and I hope you will be too.  Let me know if you have any questions, and let me know how you like them!


xoxo
Jenn

Thursday, March 17, 2011

A Pumpkin Treat You Can Enjoy All Day...With No Calories!!

I know it sounds too good to be true, but I wouldn't lie to you!  I have been enjoying this for way too long in secret, and it's time to share this with the world.  This Past Christmas, my Husband hit the jackpot with the best gift ever...

                               PUMPKIN BRULEE BODY LOTION
You guys...I can't even describe the smell...well, I will try.  When you put this creamy lotion all over your body, it feels and smells like you literally jumped into a warm bowl of pumpkin brulee that has just been finished off with whipped cream and a blow torch!!  The best part is the pumpkin pie smell lasts all day long.  It is so amazing...Now go find yourself some!!


My husband couldn't remember exactly where he got it in all his Christmas shopping, but he is pretty sure he got it at Kohl's...Delicious AND affordable!!! The brand that makes it is SAVOUR.  Happy Shopping, and let me know when you try it!!!  Till next time Pumpkin Lovers!!!  


xoxo
Jenn

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Welcome all Pumpkin and Dessert Lovers!

If you're a Lover of all things sweet, with a big emphasis on Pumpkin Treats then we have a lot of things in common!  For most of my life, I have had a serious Love of all things pumpkin...just ask my friends!  I don't know the reason for it, but it just speaks to me, and affects my taste buds like nothing else.  Even the smell makes me smile from ear to ear all day long!  Nothing makes me happier than a big scrumptious pumpkin muffin!


For years now, I have been sharing my new pumpkin findings on facebook and other sites, but I thought it was time to create a space directly devoted to my new discoveries...and yours so we can all enjoy it together!


So, let's start with my latest finding.

You saw it right.  Milk Chocolate with Pumpkin Spice Caramel.  My friend Jason told me about these awhile ago, but I couldn't find them anywhere so I just assumed he was making it up!!  But just weeks ago, I found a few lonely bags on the shelf at TARGET...a.k.a. the Mecca!  These are seriously the best chocolates I have ever had.  The perect marriage of chocolate and pumpkin spice.  I know they are seasonal, but if you look hard maybe you will get lucky like I did...so get out there and get your own bag (or 5 bags...it's ok, I don't judge!!!) Happy Hunting!!  Let me know what you think, and check back here often to find the newest amazing pumpkin discoveries!