Pumpkin Spice Season Again!

Introduction:

The weather is starting to get a little cooler and the leaves are starting to turn brilliant shades of red and orange, that only means one thing: It’s pumpkin spice season once more! While some companies have taken the desire to capitalize on the season arguably a bit too far (looking at you pumpkin spice trash bags), there is no denying one thing: We love pumpkin spice!

In this blog I’ll link to three recipes that compliment the season perfectly. I’ll also tell you a little bit about pumpkin spice’s origin, and the history of pumpkin pie. Did you know many countries find American pumpkin pie strange? It’s true! That’s a bit of a side tangent for a different day. Let’s get started!

The Origins Of Pumpkin Spice

Ancient Roots:

Pumpkin spice’s history dates back thousands of years. Archaeological findings, such as ancient pottery shards discovered in Indonesia, revealed traces of the key spice ingredients in this blend. This suggests that the concept of mixing these spices has been around for centuries!

The Dutch Connection:

The Dutch East India Company played a significant role in the history of pumpkin spice. They were responsible for trading spices from the East Indies, including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. These spices eventually made their way to Europe, where they became coveted ingredients in various culinary creations. Indeed, Europe’s desire for spices was one of many reasons that brought them to North America. They were looking for India. I can relate, google maps is the only reason I am not currently lost in the MSP airport.

Europeans eventually brought these spices to the Americas where they were united with their destiny: Pumpkins. Some of the earliest pumpkin “pie” recipes were developed by the settlers at the Plymoth colony and France, of all places. These early pies are not what we know and love. Some used the pumpkin as the pie shell, or included apples and marjoram. The first recipe to appear that resembles our beloved Thanksgiving staple was published in 1796. I am getting ahead of myself.

Evolution in America:

Pumpkin spice, as we know it today, evolved in America. In the early 20th century, companies like McCormick developed standardized blends of spices, including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice, to create the pumpkin spice we recognize today. These blends made it easier for home cooks to recreate the beloved flavors of pumpkin pie and other fall treats.

The History Of Pumpkin Pie

This section should start with a whimsical story about whipped cream. I don’t know any whimsical stories about whipped cream… I guess I will just get to the point instead.

Early Beginnings:

Pumpkin pies, or variations of them, can be traced back to ancient civilizations. Native American tribes such as the Wampanoag and the Powhatan made a type of pumpkin or squash pudding by roasting or boiling the fruit and then mashing it into a paste. They would sweeten it with honey or maple syrup.

Colonial America:

Pumpkin pies as we know them today began to take shape in the early days of Colonial America. Colonists, inspired by Native American cooking techniques, started incorporating pumpkin into their pies. They would hollow out pumpkins, fill them with milk, honey, and spices, and then bake the whole pumpkin in hot ashes.

Evolution of Ingredients:

Over time, the pie evolved with the introduction of new ingredients. European settlers brought spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the New World, adding depth and flavor to pumpkin pies. As sugar became more accessible, it replaced honey and maple syrup as the primary sweetener.

Thanksgiving Tradition:

Pumpkin pie became a fixture of Thanksgiving dinners in the United States during the 17th century. The Pilgrims and Native Americans are said to have shared a meal that included pumpkin dishes at the first Thanksgiving, further cementing the association between pumpkin and this holiday.

Commercialization:

In the 19th century, with the growth of commercial bakeries and the publication of cookbooks, pumpkin pie recipes became more standardized. Canned pumpkin puree, a convenient ingredient, was introduced in the late 1800s, making it easier to make pumpkin pies.

Modern Variations:

Today, pumpkin pie comes in various forms, from traditional pies to tarts, cheesecakes, and even pumpkin spice lattes. It remains a beloved dessert, especially during the fall and Thanksgiving season.

Whipped Cream:

Whipped cream is just happy that pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice exist.

Recipes

As promised I’ll tell you a little about and provide links to our recipes here. I do want to say I am not including a pumpkin pie recipe as I am going to add that to a Thanksgiving series yet to come.

Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin soup, despite its absence of pumpkin spice, is undeniably fall-themed. Originating in Haiti, pumpkin soup has traversed the globe, becoming a beloved dish served at Thanksgiving in the United States and beyond.

Pumpkin soup can be served hot or cold and lends itself well to customization. Try adapting the recipe to your tastes by adding curry powder, ginger, turmeric, cumin and coriander, maple syrup or honey, or even pumpkin spice. Add oven roasted pumpkin seeds for a tasty garnish.

If you try it out, please let me know what you think. We are always looking for new ways to improve our site

The Pumpkin Spice Latte

When someone says pumpkin spice season, your thoughts probably immediately go to a certain coffee giant’s seasonal latte. I know mine do. Said giant was kind enough to provide their exact recipe online, I’ll include it here. I’ve also included an alternate version for anyone, like me, that doesn’t enjoy pumpkin in their coffee.

Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread is a delicious, moist and dense bread, with all the flavors of pumpkin pie, it’s great warmed with butter. If you are having a cheat day, and have a sweet tooth, I recommend drizzling the warm bread with cream cheese frosting.