At this time of year, you can find them for sale around nearly every corner. That’s because we love Halloween, but also because Michigan farmers grow nearly 80 million pounds of pumpkins each year. You can carve them, roast the seeds, toss some in a smoothie, make soup, and a myriad of other things. Of course, lots of Michigan companies put these versatile fruits to good use too. Here are some of Michigan’s best pumpkin products to flavor your fall.
American Spoon Pumpkin Butter
Every product that comes out of the American Spoon kitchen is a delight. Yet this taste of autumn is something really special. It’s cooked in small copper kettles just a few jars at a time. Imagine pumpkin pie in a jar. It features slow-cooked pumpkin, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, then pureed with maple and brown sugar. Try it on toast, waffles, even graham crackers. For a really unique treat, whisk some into your pancake batter. What a great way to start a fall day.
Biggby Pumpkin Spice Lattes
Another scruptiously autumnal way to start a day comes from friends at East Lansing-based Biggby Coffee. Celebrate the season with a few of their specialty drinks. It is both a great way to jumpstart your day, or an ideal afternoon pick-me-up. They make a classic Pumpkin Spice Latte that custmers have long adored. For a sweeter, velvety seasonal sip, there’s the White Pumpkin Latte. In case you can’t guess it’s white chocolate swirls that add the sweet. You can go an even more decadent route with the Jack O Lantern, which includes creamy vanilla and marshmallow. Not a java drinker? Order the Chumpkin. It’s what happens if you cut a chai tea latte with a pumpkiny edge. Try one of these hot on a crisp morning, or iced for those last wisps of summer kinds of days. If making coffee at home is more your style, then stock up on bags of the company’s Pumpkin Pie beans, whole or ground.
Cask & Kettle Pumpkin Spiced Coffee
For those who like a little extra kick in their coffee, Cask & Kettle has you covered. They make coffee pods that you can easily brew into boozy, delicious craft cocktails in a mere moment. The latest addition to the line is the Pumpkin Spice Coffee. It features bright vodka, and dark roasted coffee, with a strong pumpkin spice finish. Because they contain alcohol, by law, these products cannot be shipped within Michigan, but you can find them at plenty of retailers, including many Meijer locations. Check their store locater for an option near you.
Germack Cinnamon Apple Pumpkin Spice Gourmet Medley
Speaking of afternoon pick-me-ups, this crunchy combo from Germack puts all your favorite fall flavors in one healthy snack. It’s a blend of cinnamon flavored apple chips, cinnamon spiced pecans, peanuts, pumpkin seeds and honey roasted sesame sticks. Keep a jar at home or at the office. It’s a great idea to send some in a school lunch bag too for a change of pace.
Dave’s Sweet Tooth Pumpkin Spice Toffee
If you prefer toffee to coffee, then Dave’s will make your sweet teeth smile. This perfectly balanced pumpkin spice candy is light and crunchy with just the right amount of fall flavor. It’s a great one to have on hand right through Thanksgiving.
Grand Traverse Pie Company’s Northport Pumpkin Pie
Want to end a meal with notes of pumpkin? Then turn to the masterful bakers at Grand Traverse Pie Company. This is no ordinary Thanksgiving dessert. Like all of their pies, it starts with a delectable, flaky crust. It’s filled with a pumpkin blend that has the creamy texture of a dense mousse, and all the flavor you hope for from a fall classic.
Moomers Pumpkin Ice Creams
Do you like your pie a la mode? Whether paired with pie, or on its own, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better tasting ice cream than the creations from Moomers in Traverse City. Once named the best ice cream parlor in America by the readers of USA Today, they make over 150 flavors of ice cream, 20 of which are featured daily. This is the time of year to pop by for Pumpkin or Pumpkin Chip ice cream. If you’re hunting for fall color in that glorious northern region, be sure to stop in for a taste of goodness at Moomers, and maybe watch a cow or two roaming the farm.
Hunter’s Healthy Treats Pumpkin Hearts
Don’t just treat yourself to the go-to flavor of fall. Doggies deserve some seasonal delights too, and Hunter’s Healty Treats has them covered. Shaped like hearts, and made from all-natural ingredients, they are packed with nutrients, yet taste great. My friend, Finn, loves them. These are soft-baked, so even puppies, or dogs with dental issues, can enjoy them. In fact, they also offer Pumpkin Crumb Topping to sprinkle on food and encourage your favorite pup to eat.
New Holland Ichabod
You’ve taken care of man’s best friend, now how about you and your friends? Whether sipping a brew by a beach bonfire, in front of the TV watching football, or just out to dinner, you can count on a Michigan brewer to provide the perfect choice. Many create fall specialties, especially pumpkin-infused. Consistently ranked as one of the nation’s best is Ichabod from New Holland. Named for the famous schoolmaster of Sleepy Hollow, this refreshing ale is brewed with malted barley and real pumpkin. The natural sweetness is enhanced with cinnamon and nutmeg for a classic autumnal taste.
Blake’s Apple Lantern
If hard cider is more your jam this time of year than beer, turn to Blake’s. It’s one of the state’s greated hard cider destinations. The tasting room is hopping in the fall, as is the rest of the property. Bring the family to pick out pumpkins and celebrate Halloween with tons of attractions, or just meet some friends to sip and savor. If you can’t make it to Armada, never fear, there’s a South Lyon option too. Plus, Blake’s is readily available in stores throughout the state. Apple Lantern is made from handpicked apples that are balanced with the oven-roasted richness of pumpkin, and perfectly spiced.
Sure, by the end of the season you might grow a tad tired of pumpkin everything, but I’m betting you’ll find some favorites among this list that you’ll crave all year-round.
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