Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Picks for Thanksgiving

Yikes, I finally got a really good look at my calendar and it hit me: Thanksgiving is just a few short weeks away. And then I turn a quarter of a century two days later. So there’s that. Between the turkey and a looming life crisis, it’s going to be a crazy month. Throw in hosting my family and preparing the feast in my teeny tiny kitchen that comfortably fits one cook and I’m going to be one cranberry away from a full turkey dinner if you know what I mean.

Is anybody else hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas this year? Any tips + advice greatly appreciated! Double goes for quarter-life crises : )

Keeping guests happy is no easy feat but thankfully, good food seems to do the trick each time. After all, they can’t complain with their mouths full, right? Now, I like pumpkin spice and pumpkin pie just fine but I’m a solid Team Apple Pie all the way. That being said, Trader Joe’s does pumpkin so right. Here are my favorite Trader Joe’s pumpkin picks to have on hand to keep the relatives happy + full.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread: Like I said, I’m not the girl who counts down the days until PSL season. I had my pumpkin “steamer” since I don’t drink coffee. I laughed, I cried, it was better than Cats. And then I moved on. But this cream cheese spread. Oh my god, now this is worth marking the calendar for. I didn’t think it was possible for me to love bagels more than I already do but I was so so wrong. In the best way imaginable. I wouldn’t judge you in the slightest for eating this with a spoon. Because I certainly have (I regret nothing).

Pumpkin Rolls: Oh, breakfast rolls in a tube. A sure sign of a Saturday morning curled up on the couch growing up in New York. Even though I manage to shriek every single time the tube POPS. Aside from that, I like to keep these rolls on hand for a quick but festive breakfast with the family.

Pumpkin Ice Cream: I was skeptical when I picked up a carton of this Trader Joe’s legend. But I did it because, you know, research. It was for the children, guys. This ice cream is awesome for those of us not in the Pumpkin Pie Camp. Add a dollop of whipped cream and we’re in business.

Pumpkin Spice Coffee: Love the aroma of coffee, detest the taste. That’s my alibi but if your guests are big coffee drinkers, have this coffee on hand for all their morning caffeination needs. They get their java fix, you get a wonderful aroma in your kitchen. It’s a win-win all around.

Pumpkin Joe-Joe’s: I didn’t think it was possible for Trader Joe’s seasonal Joe-Joe’s to be better than their holiday Joe-Joe’s with the peppermint cream filling. But they did a number with the pumpkin filling. The only downside is they’re way too easy to just pop into your mouth. Too too easy. Again, I did the research.

Pumpkin Waffles: Like the pumpkin rolls, toaster waffles are an easy crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying them on a plate topped with whipped cream or even a schmear of that pumpkin cream cheese spread…or my scenario: holding a waffle wrapped in a paper towel as you run around like a crazy person and hope that you don’t accidentally take a bite of paper towel.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: Okay, I’ll admit. My name is Lauren and I have a cream cheese addiction. My favorite frostings are cream cheese-based, I just cannot help how perfect and holy cream cheese is. I could probably write a sonnet on the subject. So another portable breakfast with cream cheese to boot? Sign me up!

Pumpkin Biscotti: Coffee drinkers of the world, rejoice! Give your cup o’ jo a little pumpkin pizzazz by lazily swirling your pumpkin biscotti around the mug. Or tea, if that’s more your style. Chai tea? You’re a human being after my own heart.

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