The Attack Of Pumpkin Fever

Ever since I was a child oh so very long ago, I have known the autumn season to be associated with pumpkins.   We made jack-o-lanterns for Halloween, and ate pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving.  But that was about it for pumpkins.

But in the past couple of years "pumpkin fever" seems to be taking over America.   Dunkin' Donuts offers pumpkin donuts and muffins, and of course their popular pumpkin spice coffee.   In package stores we've seen pumpkin ale, spice pumpkin vodka, and even pumpkin spice Kahlua.  Even McDonald's has jumped on the pumpkin band wagon with their Pumpkin Spice Latte and pumpkin pie pastry.

But as I was grocery shopping over the weekend, I was amazed at all the pumpkin themed foods now available.   Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts, Pumpkin Spice Pringles, Pumpkin-flavored M&M's and Hershey Kisses, Pumpkin Eggo Waffles, Jet-Puffed Pumpkin Marshmallows, Jell-O Pumpkin Spice pudding mix, Planter's Pumpkin Spice Almonds, Coffreemate pumpkin non-dairy creamer, Thomas pumpkin bagels and English muffins, Philadelphia-brand Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese, and yes, there's even pumpkin fettuccine and ravioli available from pasta maker Rossi.   And if you ever go to a Trader Joe's, you can even find pumpkin dog treats.   Why not get our four-legged friends in on pumpkin fever too.   But hurry, all of these products are available for a limited time only.   And if they all sell well this year, look for more pumpkin products next fall, or should I say before the end of next summer.