Is Mmmm Sauce a Fall Flavor?

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Lately, the Husband has been very enthusiastic about my cooking (he must want something).  Lots of whoops and hollers whenever I put a plate in front of him.

 

This meal got a “MMMMMMMMMMM!!! Mmmm Sauce is back!”

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Oh yeah.  Bring on the Mmmm.  It’s been a while – for a few weeks, I made so much Mmmm Sauce than just a whiff of nutritional yeast made Kristien’s eyes cross.  So after a brief hiatus, my favorite yummy sauce is back.  Mmmm.

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My Mmmm Sauce is green because I always add a big handful of fresh cilantro.  It gives the sauce a very zesty flavor.

 

In the mix:

 

Baked tofu

Millet

Carrots

Zucchini

Mmmm Sauce

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So – I’ll admit…

 

I’m stereotypically in love with pumpkin, as well as other fall flavors and scents (hello, apples and gingerbread!).  If pumpkin is wrong, I don’t want to be right.  Here are my top 5 favorite pumpkin recipes.

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Did you know there is a pumpkin shortage this year?  Be still, my heart.

 

The shortage is the combination of several factors:  heavy rains and flooding in the spring and summer, a fungus outbreak, and the impact of Hurricane Irene.  It’s going to be harder in some parts of America to find whole pumpkins for carving, and prices are anticipated to be higher than normal.

 

Not sure if the shortage impacts canned pumpkin.  I hope not!

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Fun fact:  In the South, most grocery stores do not carry Libby’s canned pumpkin year-around.  It’s a seasonal thing.  So ever year, I stock up – and by stock up, I mean I clean the shelves – and hoard them all through winter and fall.

 

What’s your favorite fall flavor? 

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This gingerbread cookie recipe runs a very close second to my addiction for pumpkin!

{ 91 comments }

 

  • Sana September 26, 2011, 2:45 pm

    I am guessing the husband wants a new set of gold clubs or your cooking is just amazing 🙂

  • Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) September 26, 2011, 2:47 pm

    Pumpkin anything (muffins, bread, cake, oatmeal) etc is my all time favorite fall flavor. Gingerbread ranks a close 2nd though! Canned pumpkin is seasonal at my grocery stores so I am keeping my eyes peeled in the coming weeks!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat September 26, 2011, 2:48 pm

    I love pumpkin, and yes, I’d say it’s my favourite fall flavour! I’m also big on gingerbread, carrot cake, and apple pie. The other day I was in Wal Mart and I think I spent about 20 minutes sniffing all of their seasonal candles!! They are SO good!

  • Samantha September 26, 2011, 2:48 pm

    I made some mmmm sauce a few weeks ago after seeing many rave reviews. I got the nutritional yeast at a health store, and it was sold as a bulk product in a plain bag (no brand name). I found the mmmm sauce to have a weird, chemically taste to it, from the nutritional yeast. I keep wondering if I just happen not to like the chemical-like strange taste of the nutritional yeast, or if I maybe got a weird type of nutritional yeast that doesn’t taste as good as another variety. Do you find nutritional yeast to have any kind of chemical aftertaste?

    • Krista September 26, 2011, 3:06 pm

      I thought the same thing. I liked it. The flavors are fantastic, but I didn’t love it because something stood out as a sort of a chemical taste. I’ve never tasted plain nutritional yeast, so I don’t know if that was the cause or not. maybe.

      • shay September 26, 2011, 5:47 pm

        It is not just you. I made the sauce and I thought it tasted pretty foul. bleck.

        • Caitlin September 26, 2011, 9:33 pm

          I think its a love it or hate it kind of sauce.

    • Amber K September 27, 2011, 12:06 pm

      I was not a fan of the original version, but my husband and I can’t get enough of the Nacho version! Sooo good!

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul September 26, 2011, 2:50 pm

    I love the addition of cilantro! And I’m a pumpkin fiend too, and I’ve loved some of your pumpkin recipes in the past. 🙂

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) September 26, 2011, 2:56 pm

    High five on the cilantro love! I just posted about it last week and I absolutely LOVE it! As for pumpkin, I’m a HUGE fan and I’ve already stocked up on an embarrassing number of pumpkins/squashes to keep me satisfied for a while. I think it’s a great opportunity for me to branch out and try different flavors of fall/winter squashes by roasting my own.

  • Casey @ Pocket Full of Sunshine September 26, 2011, 2:58 pm

    I’ve managed to get some Libby’s here in Southern California, but only in giant cans! Definitely better than no pumpkin, haha!

  • Sara @my less serious life September 26, 2011, 2:59 pm

    a pumpkin shortage! is that why my local Kroger (Georgia) has been out of pumpkin for weeks?

    • Caitlin September 26, 2011, 9:33 pm

      Maybe!!

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen September 26, 2011, 3:00 pm

    I’m right there with you on the pumpkin. I’ve made 5 pumpkin baked goods in the past 2 weeks and we’re what, 4 days into fall?
    I’ve got 2 of the big libby’s cans left from last year. The grocery store better get some in soon b/c at this rate they will be gone in a week.

  • Caitlin @ Vegetarian in the City September 26, 2011, 3:04 pm

    mmmmmm that mmmm sauce looks yummy!

    i’m new to the pumpkin world (beyond seeds & carving them on halloween) love your top 5 recipes!

  • Britt September 26, 2011, 3:06 pm

    After taking in large amounts of MMM Sauce, I think it’s a fall flavor as well as winter, spring and summer!

  • Marla @ Your Full Plate September 26, 2011, 3:08 pm

    I’m also a pumpkin lover, but my other favorite flavor to cook with in the fall is SAGE. I don’t know if it can technically be called a fall flavor because I’m pretty sure it’s available year round, but I looove cooking with it once the weather starts to turn chilly. It just makes the house smell so good and feel so cozy, like I’m living inside a Yankee Candle(??).

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife September 26, 2011, 3:11 pm

    My sister told me there is a pumpkin shortage! CRAZY! I have already made pumpkin (whole wheat) bread, and it is DELISH. Just posted the recipe, actually. It is SO good, I had some at lunch 🙂

    I love pumpkin bread, apples (must be crisp and crunchy), and caramel. YUMM Fall flavors. I also like hot oats.

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers September 26, 2011, 3:13 pm

    There’s been a canned pumpkin shortage in NC for at least the last three years. Good thing your stocking skills are already up to par. 😉

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb September 26, 2011, 3:15 pm

    the pumpkin shortage has NOT hit chicago! shelves are stocked out here!! thank goodness too, i go through about 2 cans per week. thanks for the recipe recap 🙂

  • Mama Pea September 26, 2011, 3:15 pm

    I knew you’d come back eventually. We missed you.

  • Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} September 26, 2011, 3:22 pm

    I think there was a pumpkin shortage last year, too. I didn’t have any problem finding canned pumpkin then. I’m sure we’ll be okay this year. 🙂

  • Penny September 26, 2011, 3:24 pm

    There was a pumpkin shortage in my area last year too. I was going to hit the stores up today for some, so I hope it’s there.
    Also….
    I’m having a giveaway for Endangered Species chocolate on my blog…if anyone would care to enter. 🙂
    That was shameless. I know.

    • Caitlin September 26, 2011, 9:32 pm

      Oh i love Endangered Species chocolate. The best!

  • Deva @ Deva by Definition September 26, 2011, 3:30 pm

    Is it a pumpkins-for-canning shortage or pumpkins on their own? Libby’s uses a specific kind of pumpkin that isn’t what we think of as a “carving pumpkin.”

    I don’t think I could do Mmm sauce with cilantro – I lack the ability to taste anything but soap if cilantro is present – because it tastes soapy to me.

    • Caitlin September 26, 2011, 9:31 pm

      I think the shortage is just carving pumpkins!

  • Nadine September 26, 2011, 3:31 pm

    I cannot find pumpkin anywhere! It’s turning into a quest!

    • Caitlin September 26, 2011, 9:31 pm

      Try Target! Sometimes I’ve found it there.

  • Jessica @ Jess Go Bananas September 26, 2011, 3:34 pm

    I love gingerbread! About 2 weeks ago, my mom and I went to our local grocery store to be early birds and stock up on some pumpkin 🙂 However, they then tried, (yes tried because my smile turned upside down) to tell me that they will no longer be carrying pumpkin due to the shortage…w.t.f.

  • Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf September 26, 2011, 3:37 pm

    Ah! I’m pretty sure the canned pumpkin is good for this year because it’s based on last year’s crop, which was pretty good. I’m running dangerously low on my stash right now (only two cans left!), so I better start hoarding again!

    Here in Texas I’ve always been able to find canned pumpkin year-round…except when there’s a nationwide canned pumpkin shortage.

    I made gluten free gingerbread muffins last night! The recipe still needs work, but it’s not too shabby. 🙂

  • Amanda September 26, 2011, 3:41 pm

    I know I was worried about our garden during the hurricane, but luckily we made out ok. The pumpkin shortage is very real in upstate NY. I’m so thankful I took on the extra stress to grow my own pumpkins for decoration for my wedding. My wedding is in 5 days and if I was buying pumpkins they’d cost me a fortune! I have like 50 pumpkins and I’ll be canning my own after the wedding to eat this year. With a garden and a pressure canner and a lot of luck sometimes you can come out ahead.

    • Caitlin September 26, 2011, 9:30 pm

      HAPPY WEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDING!

  • Amanda @ AmandaRunsNY September 26, 2011, 3:43 pm

    I haven’t really been looking for pumpkins yet…I mean it’s still September but I just bought my first can. Now I’m tempted to go and clear out the shelf!

    And doesn’t cilantro make everything just taste better?

  • Liz September 26, 2011, 3:45 pm

    I love pretty much all things pumpkin! My favorites are PSL from Starbucks, pumpkin pie & pumpkin roll 🙂 Actually, I bought my first can of pumpkin about 3 weeks ago and am hoping there isn’t a shortage of cans this year like last year! Our stores only sell it from about Sept – Dec here, too (Ohio), but they used to sell it all year round…

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) September 26, 2011, 3:48 pm

    Whoa, I still have cans from last year that I hoarded after I couldn’t find any for like 6+ months and thought we’d be in for another shortage. *hugs cans of pumpkin*

  • Dana September 26, 2011, 3:51 pm

    It’s good to know I’m not the only one who hordes canned pumpkin. The minute I heard about the shortage I went out and bought tons of plain, organic pumpkin puree.
    When I was a baby, I went through a phase where I only liked orange baby foods. Pumpkin, squash, carrots. My nose actually turned orange!

    • Caitlin September 26, 2011, 9:30 pm

      Aw that is SOOOO cute. I want an orange nosed baby.

  • katie @ KatieDid September 26, 2011, 4:07 pm

    I just came home with 2 mini pumpkins that I plan to actually cut up and roast. I’ve never had “real” fresh pumpkin, only canned, so I’m excited to see what the real deal tastes like!

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga September 26, 2011, 4:09 pm

    Ive heard about the pumpkin shortage but my groc store (lucky for me!) carried canned Libby’s year round but Ive realized I guess this is the minority and most groc stores don’t.

    The gingerbread cookies look awesome!

  • Katie September 26, 2011, 4:10 pm

    Oh no! I’m such a pumpkin junkie – I don’t want them to be hard to find! I don’t think it will affect canned pumpkin though. They’re not actually real pumpkins, they’re a different kind of squash.

  • Lindsey September 26, 2011, 4:19 pm

    In the midwest we have it all year long. However, I never notice it at any other time in the year besides the fall. I’m either super sensitive to it because it’s fall, or the grocery stores strategically place the pumpkin so it’s eye level.

    • Caitlin September 26, 2011, 9:29 pm

      I think they push it when the colder temps roll around!

  • Devonshire September 26, 2011, 4:30 pm

    butternut squash soup is my favorite fall flavor! also fruit compote to put in oatmeal!

  • Lindsey September 26, 2011, 4:33 pm

    I love pumpkin and gingerbread, but gingerbread is more of a winter flavor for me. I am going to try your sweet breakfast burrito this weekend – can’t wait!

  • Michelle September 26, 2011, 4:36 pm

    Pumpkin cheesecake is my favorite! It is so much better than pumpkin pie, and I make it every chance I get. Also, coming from the Midwest (MI, then MN, and now CO), Libby’s canned pumpkin is a staple on our grocery shelves! I don’t know what I would do if it became a seasonally stocked item!

  • Charlie September 26, 2011, 4:50 pm

    I can never get enough pumpkin! My favorite is pumpkin cranberry bread (http://tinyurl.com/3dyhle2), but pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice lattes are close seconds ;).

    And I still need to try the mmmmmmmm sauce!

    • Caitlin September 26, 2011, 9:29 pm

      oh my that recipe sounds DELICIOUS!!!!

  • Heather @ Better With Veggies September 26, 2011, 4:56 pm

    You can never have too much mmmmm sauce – I like the cilantro idea. We have a ton on basil still, wonder how that would taste in the mix?

    And I’m on the pumpkin bandwagon – it screams Fall to me!

  • Carissa September 26, 2011, 4:59 pm

    You know, last year they said the same thing about the shortage, but I had no issues getting anything pumpkin related. No worries! If you need it…let me know, I’ll ship you a giant package. For cereals!

  • Shannon September 26, 2011, 5:13 pm

    We in the greater Philly region have been hit by the pumpkin shortage! I sweaked out a nooooooo the first- fifth times I couldn’t find it in the stores. After many verses of ‘Where has all the pumpkin gone’ (sung to the tune of where have all the cowboys gone’ the BF finally found pumpkin at a walmart 30 min away and stocked up for me 🙂 phew!

  • Rosa - Fitness, Food, Fulfilled September 26, 2011, 5:22 pm

    I love pumpkin and am so sad that there’s a shortage! I would never think about these types of things.

    Fall flavors that I love are definitely pumpkin, cinnamon spice, and gingerbread.

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) September 26, 2011, 5:28 pm

    I was talking to a woman at the grocery store yesterday who confirmed the pumpkin shortage 🙁 I bought 10 cans, but that will hardly last me more than two weeks!

  • Hillary September 26, 2011, 5:29 pm

    I may or may not have bought every can of pumpkin on the shelves at Target this weekend. Hoard, much?

  • Jen September 26, 2011, 5:44 pm

    I made a bunch of pumpkin gingersnaps last week– so delicious! The recipe is vegan too, and they’re awesomely tender like little cakes. Which gives me the idea to make some mini pumpkin whoopie pies!

    • Caitlin September 26, 2011, 9:27 pm

      Where is this vegan pumpkin gingerbread recipe???

      • Jen September 27, 2011, 11:15 am

        Here it is!
        3/4 c canned pumpkin
        4 tablespoons molasses
        1/4 c warm water
        2 and 1/4 c flour
        1 c packed brown sugar
        1/4 c white sugar
        1 tsp baking soda
        2 tsp ginger
        2 tsp cinnamon
        1 tsp cloves
        1 tsp allspice

        1. pre-heat oven to 375
        2. mix flour, spices, and baking soda in a bowl
        3. mix together molasses, pumpkin, and sugar in a large bowl; gradually add dry ingredients (if the batter is too dry, add warm water and/or more pumpkin)
        4. roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls and bake for 10 minutes for soft, chewy gingersnaps, 15-20 minutes for crispy gingersnaps

  • Amy September 26, 2011, 5:45 pm

    There was apparently a pumpkin shortage last year, but maybe I’m just lucky–I never noticed a difference where I live and I haven’t noticed one this year either.

  • Lindsay@ In Sweetness and In Health September 26, 2011, 5:51 pm

    I love pumpkin!! I had no idea there was a shortage! That’s crazy. I also love apples in the fall- I mean, I enjoy them year round, but they taste so much better when they’re in season!

  • Karlee @olivewineandfood September 26, 2011, 6:03 pm

    yummm i just made a pumpkin version of mama pea’s pumpkin cookies. I loveeee pumpkin and all fall flavors too. bath and body pumpkin candles?! mmm. and butternut squash, acorn squash, baked apples, fresh apples, just about everything.

    • Karlee @olivewineandfood September 26, 2011, 6:04 pm

      pumpkin version of mama pea’s dough balls, not pumpkin cookies–der!

  • Lisa September 26, 2011, 6:24 pm

    I am always impressed by all the pumpkin treats that come out of the US blog world at this time of year! It is really not an Australian thing at all! lol

  • Molly @ RDexposed September 26, 2011, 6:31 pm

    Pumpkin capitol of the world: Morton, IL!…and then 100 mile radious around that. Finally an advantage of living in Illinois.

    • Caitlin September 26, 2011, 9:26 pm

      YAY!

  • Moni'sMeals September 26, 2011, 6:43 pm

    heck yes with this hmmmmm sauce! Yum!

    I have pumpkin in Santa Monica, only cuz I am sneaky though! It is not here yet fully, muhaha. 🙂

    Fall is more pumpkin to me and gingerbread is more winter. Luv em both though.

  • Amy@ahealthyandhappyheart September 26, 2011, 6:55 pm

    OMG a pumpkin shortage! that’s is terrible.. I hope Pittsburgh is safe! Can not wait to try all your delish pumpkin recipes!

  • Brooke @ Tales of a Bride-To-Be September 26, 2011, 6:58 pm

    I too got my first can of Libby’s Pumpkin, making my favorite pumpkin spice cake for my big birthday coming up (23 woo hoo!). Did not know there is a pumpkin shortage, that is sad.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin September 26, 2011, 7:04 pm

    Pumpkin is my favourite fall flavour too. The brand of pumpkin I buy here in Canada is available year-round, but even so, I still get really excited about pumpkin in the fall!

  • Claire September 26, 2011, 7:15 pm

    It is always weird to me seeing pumpkin used in sweet recipes. In Australia we use it in savoury dishes. We don’t have it in cans either, we use the fresh vegetable and it is available all year round.

    A quick savoury recipe is pumpkin soup: sautee a chopped onion in olive oil, add chopped pumpkin and a chopped potato, cover with water, add some vegie stock and some curry powder, bring to the boil until vegies soften, then puree for a thick hearty soup. If you like it, you can add coconut milk for a creamier texture. You can also do half pumpkin and half sweet potato. If you make up a big pot of soup, it can then be frozen in portions too.

    We also roast pieces of pumpkin along with other vegies – it is totally delicious roasted (but what vegetable isn’t!), and it’s a great addition to gnocci (replace half of the potato with pumpkin).

    I tried mmmm sauce the other day – I was so convinced I was going to love it, but was really disappointed. I’m wondering if, other than adding cilantro, you have tweaked the recipe at all from how it appears on the site you link to.

    • Caitlin September 26, 2011, 9:26 pm

      I think Mmm Sauce is a love-it-or-hate-it thing. I don’t do any other tweaks. Sorry you didn’t enjoy it!

      I love your savory pumpkin recipe ideas!

  • Lacey @ Lake LIfe September 26, 2011, 7:17 pm

    There was a shortage last year too and it does affect canned pumpkin 🙁
    I’ve been using canned squash in it’s place!

  • Dee September 26, 2011, 7:34 pm

    Oh my gosh! This looks AMAZING! I need to try your version of MMmm sauce. I actually love the fact that it’s so green! It kind of reminds me of pesto. I don’t know. Don’t mind me. I think the stress of Monday is getting to me!

    ps. I must go to the store and grab some Libby’s stat!

  • jen September 26, 2011, 7:36 pm

    caitlin do you know about how much mmmm sauce you use for one meal? i want to know how long the recipe lasts for…

    thanks!

    • Caitlin September 26, 2011, 9:25 pm

      I make a double batch and get four servings out of it – that’s a LOT though. I drenched stuff in Mmm sauce.

      • jen September 27, 2011, 8:30 am

        thank you for always responding!!

  • Claire September 26, 2011, 7:51 pm

    By “whole pumpkins for craving” do you mean “whole pumpkins for carving”? Is that a Freudian slip or an intentional pun about how crave-able and delicious pumpkins are?? 🙂

    • Caitlin September 26, 2011, 9:24 pm

      that was the bestest typo ever.

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss September 26, 2011, 8:18 pm

    Gingersnaps! I love those things. But pumpkin pie will always come first in my heart. 🙂

  • Marissa September 26, 2011, 8:24 pm

    I’m in love with pumpkin too! You must try making the Pumpkin-Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe in the October issue of Country Living- I’m sure you could put some kind of delish twist on it too 🙂

    • Caitlin September 26, 2011, 9:22 pm

      ohmigod that sounds absolutely HEAVENLY.

  • Amanda @ The Beauty Notebooks September 26, 2011, 8:42 pm

    I finally found canned pumpkin at an international store in Edinburgh! Whenever I asked if cans were in stock at Scottish grocery chains, the employees looked at me as if I were crazy. go figure I find some at an international store 😉

  • jen September 26, 2011, 8:46 pm

    i made a triple batch of mmm sauce yesterday. im always trying to get my family to try new things, and i thought mm sauce would be the perfect way to go.. its so addicting and delicious and perfect! i brought some to go with some chips and veggies. my husband and i ate it, and everyone else stared at the yellow-ness of it and looked away. i was both sad that they wouldnt try it and ecstatic that i didnt have to share it!

    • Caitlin September 26, 2011, 9:21 pm

      hahah i would be SO happy if no one else liked my mmm sauce.

  • BroccoliHut September 26, 2011, 9:17 pm

    I am pumpkin obsessed at the moment too (well, all year, really). I love adding it to chili and hummus!

  • Ari @ Ari's Menu September 26, 2011, 9:35 pm

    If gingerbread counts as fall, then I have to say I love it even more than pumpkin, but pumpkin comes as a close second! Oh and SWEET POTATOES!! Man, I just can’t choose. Fall is my favorite!

  • Kiah September 26, 2011, 9:41 pm

    Mmmmmm sauce is absolutely, positively a Fall flavor!!

  • Kelsey September 27, 2011, 12:51 am

    Your meals are always so appetizing to me. I love how you pair simple elements but seem to create something unique and tasty so often. 🙂

    My favorite fall flavor… hmmm! It’s funny: I love pumpkin baked goods, and sweetened pumpkin flavor… but honestly, I don’t like pumpkin all on its own. It’s just squash to me, and I don’t like the taste of winter squashes. But, does “pumpkin pie spice” count as a flavor? And, it’s not a flavor, but I was just thinking today about how I love that I am craving warm and heated food again!

  • Khushboo September 27, 2011, 12:55 am

    I may be one of the few bloggers who isn’t gaga over pumpkin! CInnamon is my fall flavor…combined with cooked apples is just heavenly!

  • Katy @ HaveYouHurd September 27, 2011, 8:30 am

    I am obsessed with pumpkin flavored anything! The ladies in my office were talking about not being able to find canned pumpkin anywhere lately. The only pumpkin I could find in the grocery store was organic!

    I’m intrigued by the Mmmm sauce and would like to try it but where the heck do I find Nutritional Yeast in the grocery store?

  • Amber K September 27, 2011, 12:09 pm

    I feel a little guilty that I live in a place where the pumpkin is available year-round. Because for some reason, knowing I can have it at any time makes me very rarely crave it. In fact, I have a can currently in my cupboard, that I bought LAST Fall, that still hasn’t been used 😉

  • Corrie @ Blurb Column September 27, 2011, 11:19 pm

    Okay, I am 99.9% sure I responded to this already…but I don’t see my comment!

    Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies…yes please! And pumpkin cranberry muffins! SO delicious! I love pumpkin!

    The first time I made the pumpkin choc chip cookies I wasn’t paying that much attention to the recipe. 4 cups of flour…??OHMYG. It was a huge batch, something like 12 dozen cookies! Sheesh! I froze half of it.

    I still need to try the mmm sauce.

  • Abby @ Abz 'n' Oats September 30, 2011, 9:22 pm

    I am definitely in love with pumpkin! I have been able to find it year round at a couple of the local grocery stores but it has probably been sitting there since the year before. Oh well. Love my pumpkin! 🙂

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