Starting in August, people have lots of opinions about pumpkin and the correct time to start celebrating fall. Some say August 1st is too early to start talking about the pumpkin spice latte. Others say it’s too late and they’ve been ready for it since July 5th.
I’m not sure where you fall on this Great Divide, but for me, I’m going to embrace pumpkin. Why? I’m looking for any pockets of happiness I can find. I’m not ALL IN, but I am on board. And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve found that my approach to life — not being too over the top about a trend or hobby, while also not looking down on anyone else for their approach —has been more fun for me.
Maybe it’s the middle child in me trying to make peace, but I’ll give each side of the debate a little something before I dive into my pumpkin recommendations. Personally, I’m not a fan of the PSL. BUT I do enjoy pumpkin recipes and look forward to a very full fall of making pumpkin treats.
I don’t decorate my house for fall in August. Everyone in my family but me has late summer birthdays, and my girls are adamant that fall doesn’t start until after their birthdays. As self-proclaimed Summer Girls, this is the rule.
BUT, once late September hits, I do want to put some mums and pumpkins on the patio. I do want to buy apple cider and go to the pumpkin patch. Who cares that it’s 90 degrees and we’re sweating on the hayride? It’s still fun.
If you want to embrace pumpkin, too, let me share a few of my favorite pumpkin-related things that are just tried-and-true fun.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal
My whole family loves this recipe. I make it the night before and then reheat it in the morning for an easy before-school breakfast.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
I make these every year for our Thanksgiving breakfast (we turn them into turkeys with either bacon or fruit kabobs), and they are so good I dream about them year-round.
3-Cheese Pumpkin Pasta Casserole with Spinach
This is a more grown-up pumpkin dinner. When I make it, I set aside a few plain noodles to serve with veggies or sauce for the kids’ dinner.
Pumpkin Crisp
I make this in place of pumpkin pie, and it’s a MAJOR upgrade.
Jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers
We make these for dinner on Halloween. There’s actually no pumpkin in this recipe, so if you’re even more moderate than me, these will be perfect for you!
Pumpkin-scented candles
Alright, veering away from recipes now. There are so many pumpkin-scented candles to choose from. My recommendation is to grab some friends and go make your own! This is the place my friends and I always go to if you’re looking for a reason to visit Bloomington.
The pumpkin patch
Our family always tries to go twice– once when it’s still warm and once when it’s chilly.
Carving pumpkins
The best pumpkin carving tip: cut out the bottom instead of the top of the pumpkin. You can just throw it away. No more shriveled pumpkin top slowly sinking into the pumpkin. No more reaching into the pumpkin to try to light it. Just put your candle on the pavement and put the pumpkin over it. On that same note, use a battery-operated tea light for stress-free, long-lasting pumpkin lighting.
You can majorly love pumpkins and all things fall. Or you can stay as far away from it as possible. For me, I’m embracing pumpkin. I’m not turning my house into a dream Pinterest board, and I’m not rolling my eyes at the people who choose to do that either. I’m letting them have their happy places, and I’m finding what makes me feel little boosts of happiness, too.
Are you embracing the pumpkin this season? Wherever you fall on the pumpkin love/hate scale, I hope you find happiness (and a great pumpkin recipe!) there!
