Trader Joe's Pumpkin Pie Mochi Ice Cream

Admittedly, when I first saw the Trader Joe's Pumpkin Pie Mochi Ice Cream it was intriguing (because I'm a sucker for pumpkin anything) but also slightly daunting. I've tried mochi before and with texture issues I didn't enjoy the strawberry flavor. Figuring I'd give it a shot after hearing how good they were, I popped a box in my shopping cart and went home with them.

 

The dessert is shaped like a round ball, which has a smooth, dry -- almost play-doh feel to it. It's dusted with what looks like flour. The mochi shell is chewy in texture, slightly gummy and doesn't have much of a flavor to it. It's rather on the plain side and seems to be odd or foreign even. The ice cream inside the mochi is where it's at. It's a smooth, creamy, pumpkin pie ice cream which tastes exactly like pumpkin pie. It really packs a punch and left the pumpkin lover within satisfied. Together it's a unique and pretty delicious treat.

 

1 mochi is a serving, which is 100 calories or 3 points plus values.

Caramel Apple Salad

I saw a recipe on Pinterest that immediately caught my attention. I like dessert, but I'm usually on the hunt for something that's lower in points that's "manageable" to have after dinner. But what was even better about this dessert was the fact that it contained only 4 ingredients and came together in very little time.

 

The end result is quite tasty - there's a nice crisp bite from the apples, while the pineapple doesn't really shine (I thought it might be a little overbearing over the apples, but it seems to be used to keep the apples from turning brown). The pineapple does add a softer texture to it, while the butterscotch pudding and the cool whip create a nice creamy layer which bring out that caramel type flavor alongside the apples.

 

The recipe is quite easy and delicious ... and would definitely be a good side dish to bring to a family gathering if a "healthier dessert" would be needed.

 

Serves 8. 4 Points Plus per serving (roughly 2/3 cup).

Ingredients:

* 5 large apples, cored and chopped

* 1 box Jell-O Butterscotch Pudding

* 8 oz tub, Fat Free Cool Whip

* 8 oz can crushed pineapple

 

Wash,  core and chop apples (you can peel or leave the skin on - I chose to leave the skin on) and place into a large bowl. Toss apples with crushed pineapple.

 

Begin to fold in cool whip and sprinkles of butterscotch pudding, mixing evenly to ensure all apples are coated. Repeat until all cool whip and dry pudding mix is added into the mixture.

 

Cover and set in the refrigerator for at least 1-hr before serving.

Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Oreo's

As a certified pumpkin lover ... I tend to "get my pumpkin fix" during the fall season. I mean, how could I not since everything is turned into a pumpkin flavor?  On a quick run through the grocery store to get a few things needed for the week - I spotted a table of Oreo's. Initially I didn't pay much mind to it because I assumed they were the Caramel Apple Oreo's ... but then did a double take when I realized they were actually the Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Oreo's.

 

After that double take ... the cookies made a temporary home in my shopping cart, into my car ... and into my home. The end result, ended up in my stomach (but not the whole pack! only 2!).

 

Opening the package you're awarded with a pumpkin aroma. It's not sickeningly sweet ... it's a nice rich sweet pumpkin scent. Flavor wise ... these are pretty much spot on. That is, with the cookie surrounding it. The flavor of the cream on its own without the cookie is a sweet, cinnamony pumpkin cream. The cinnamon flavor is cut down and the sweetness is reduced when you eat it with the cookie. Truthfully, I quite enjoyed these. So has everyone else I've shared these with (niece, nephew, mother, cousin, etc.).

 

A serving is 2 cookies, 150 calories or 4 points plus values.

Tastee Candy Apples

One of my all time favorite snacks during fall season at the grocery store are hands down Tastee Candy Apples. They come in a variety of flavors and all are pretty much calorie/point "safe" and are such an enjoyable treats. As we all know, fall is pretty much fair/carnival time all around the United States. What one food item is available at nearly all fairs/carnivals? Fried dough ... uhhmm... yes, but ALSO candy apples!

I remember as a kid going to visit my godmother in Ohio. There was this candy shop that made THE best caramel apples. Whenever I'd leave from visiting her OR she'd come to visit me ... these candy apples came along for the plane ride. Sadly with no connection in Ohio any longer I've had to "settle" for candy apples in my area. In the past I've made them at home ... but a treat I've been purchasing for years at the grocery store are Tastee's Candy Apples.

The candy apples come in a variety of flavor combinations: caramel with peanuts, candy apple with peanuts, jelly with shredded coconut and turtle candy apples. They also sell "gourmet" versions of these apples which I find in my area sold at wholesale retailers ... but these particular candy apples aren't as friendly as the original variety sold at the grocery store.

I just happened to find the caramel and the candy while shopping so I picked them up. I wanted the jelly but they didn't have it ... yet I'm sure I'll find it someplace soon. All of them are delicious but as it tends to go we all have our "favorites."

I have tried the four varieties (candy, jelly, caramel and turtle) and I have to say ... the caramel and the jelly are my favorites. The caramel is a soft, runny/gooey caramel that's got a boatload of nuts around it. The jelly is a soft, jelly style coating that has a yummy shredded coconut around it. The candy apple is a soft candy apple coating that's got peanuts around it. Whereas the turtle if your classic soft caramel that's covered in chocolate bits and peanuts.

The caramel, candy and jelly candy apples are 4 points plus a piece and are 160 calories. While the turtle is 239 calories and 7 points plus values. Today I actually saw a plain caramel apple which has no peanuts on the outside and was 130 calories or 3 points plus values.

If you want to see all that Tastee has to offer you can do check out their website.

Garden Lites Pumpkin Spice Souffle

I spotted this Garden Lites Pumpkin Spice Souffle at Target and into my cart it went. I admit, at first when I saw the words “pumpkin spice” and “souffle” in the same sentence I was a little apprehensive. I wasn’t sure if it was going to be a rewarding food experience. But there’s a little saying that says “don’t judge a book by its cover” so I tried not to.

After calculating the points plus values, I was quite excited to see the points plus values are actually notated on the box. Once I found this, it made looking at other flavor options a breeze.

One day I wanted something pumpkiny for dessert. Wrinkling my nose at the options presented to me, I decided to give the pumpkin spice soufflé a shot.  I heated it up in the microwave per the box directions. After letting it cool for a few minutes I tried it and was very impressed from that very first bite. It tasted just like pumpkin pie filling.  I decided to jazz it up just a little more with a tablespoon of sugar free maple syrup over the top … and it was sinfully delicious! It was undoubtedly pumpkin spice – but more pumpkin than spice which I truly appreciated. It wasn’t eggy in the least bit, but it did have a little bit of a creamy quality to it on the tongue which was reminiscent of custard. Overall, delicious – and so delicious that I made sure to pick up another box on my last trip through Target.

A serving (the whole bowl – 7 ounces) is 190 calories or 5 points plus values.

QUESTION:

Have you tried any of the Garden Lites soufflés? If so, which one(s) is/are your favorite?

Bakers’ Corner Pumpkin Bread

I will truly try anything pumpkin as long as the nutrition information is worth it to me (and trust me, there are pumpkin items that just are not worth it to me).  One of the items that was worth it was this Bakers’ Corner Quick Bread & Muffin Mix – Pumpkin.  I had picked this box mix up at my local Aldi store and stuck it into the cabinet. Yesterday, I was in the mood to bake something since we didn’t have any baked goods in the house.

Deciding to skip the eggs and oil the boxed mix called for I opted to experiment with a handy dandy can of Diet Fresca. Diet soda works wonders in cake mix, so I thought why wouldn’t it work wonders in a pumpkin bread mix?  I added in almost the whole can of soda (minus, what would probably be 2 sips) and stirred it all up.  I added the contents to a Pam sprayed loaf pan and baked it off for 50 minutes.

The cake came out perfect. Moist and delicious – although I will say this is more spiced pumpkin than regular pumpkin.  You can definitely taste the spiciness in it because it’s right up there in the forefront. It’s not as spicy as other pumpkin desserts can be (such as spiced pumpkin pie) but it’s definitely noticeable.

Since I made the bread with soda, a slice (1/12^th) was only 130 calories or 3 points plus values.

QUESTION:

Do you like experimenting with baking?

Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Soup

I picked up a container of the Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Soup a while back because it sounded delicious and the picture on the container looked as such.  With it being fall, and the soup being one of my favorite vegetables (well, squash in general), I decided to finally give this a whirl.

Opening the container and pouring it into a measuring cup, I admit I was slightly grossed out – but I have to say it smelled and reminded me exactly of baby food. Baby food weirds me out in itself – but that’s a whole other story (texture/food smell issues). Trying to not form an opinion just yet, I put the bowl into the microwave and heated it through. Taste wise its okay … but I picked up more of a pumpkin-like flavoring.  It’s creamy, it’s flavorful and a serving is 1 cup.  It’s not bad, but it’s just not my cup of tea.

A 1 cup serving is 90 calories, or 2 points plus values.

QUESTION;

What is one of your favorite soups in the market?

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Biscotti

I picked up a container of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Biscotti after spotting them rather accidentally. I was looking to grab a pack of the Five Seed Almond Bars when I noticed the bright orange container. My attention was immediately diverted so I picked up the container to check out the nutrition facts. Right then a Trader Joe’s employee walked by and said “those are delicious!” … and we can say, that sealed the deal.

I enjoy biscotti cookies and I love pumpkin – and since I have never had pumpkin biscotti I felt it would be a nice treat.  My personal favorite biscotti are chewier biscotti, not the classic hard biscotti … which these are. These particular biscotti are very crunchy and hard and are best to eat with tea or coffee … as regular biscotti tend to be best eaten.  Taste wise these are pumpkin spice flavored, whereas texture wise they’re hard, crunchy and slightly crispy.  I’m not saying these are bad, they’re good … but I’d enjoy them a lot more if they were slightly chewy, but that’s just personal preference.

A serving is 2 biscotti cookies, which are 110 calories or 3 points plus. The biscotti cookies are smaller – smaller than the size of your finger.

QUESTION:

What is your favorite type of biscotti?

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bagels

When I spotted these Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bagels I picked up the bag and gave it a good whiff. I have this weird thing I do where when buying bread products that have a flavor to them, I have to smell it through the bag. If it smells weird, I can’t buy it because I essentially won’t eat it. But when I smelled these they smelled ah-mazing!

After opening the bag at home, I sliced the bagel in half and popped it into the toaster. I noticed throughout the bagel there are bits which resemble brown sugar pieces, taste sweet and pumpkin spice flavored.  They are nicely pumpkin flavored without being overbearing on the taste buds.  Toasting the bagels up they come out nice and crunchy, yet soft, and are perfect with cream cheese, spray butter or even peanut butter.

I enjoyed them so much I have been eating them for breakfast or brunch a good portion of the week.  I find with peanut butter they’re perfectly filling and will hold me over until the next meal.  They’re reasonably priced as well - $2.59 for a bag of 6.

Each bagel is 250 calories or 6 points plus values.

QUESTION:

Are you a fan of pumpkin bagels?

Trader Joe’s Country Pumpkin Spice Granola Cereal

Fall brings out all the pumpkin and fall goodies at Trader Joe’s.  This meant, I was super excited to pick up a box of Trader Joe’s Country Pumpkin Spice Granola Cereal. I did not have a chance to give this a try last year and since I have a pumpkin fascination/obsession I wanted to give it a go.

I’m a big granola fan – but I truthfully don’t eat it very often at all. This has been the first box of granola I have purchased in over 3 years … and I have to say, it was well worth the wait.  I first described this granola as what you would get if plain old granola and pumpkin pie had a baby. It’s that classic crunchy granola texture mixed with chewy raisins with a very noticeable pumpkin spice flavor mixed throughout. It’s delicious, flavorful and mixes well with yogurts and assorted fruits.  I’ve had this pumpkin spice granola over pumpkin flavored yogurt, while I’ve also had it with coconut vanilla yogurt mixed with fresh blueberries, strawberries and granola on top of it.  It adapts well to the flavors it’s mixed with while it also holds up to its crunchy texture.  I have been such a fan I have incorporated this into my breakfast/snacks daily.

A serving is 2/3 cup which is 240 calories, or 6 points plus values.  Although I find a 1/3 cup serving is more than enough to accompany a serving of yogurt. A 1/3 cup serving calculates out to be 3 points plus values.

QUESTION:

Have you ever tried Trader Joe’s pumpkin spice granola?

McDonald's Baked Pumpkin Pie

McDonald`s makes hands down the best fast food pies - at least in my opinion. I do enjoy them, but I do not have them often – maybe once or twice a year. I’m a fan of their apple pie, and I am also “guilty” of occasionally sampling some of their seasonal pies. There have been some flops, but the McDonald’s Baked Pumpkin Pie is definitely a win-win for me.

I was surprised with how yummy their pumpkin pie is! It had real pumpkin filling in it and it wasn’t very sweet.  All around it was delicious. The pumpkin pie tasted like you took a slice of pumpkin pie, wrapped it in McDonald’s signature pie crust and served it up luke warm.  I find these little pies to be handy especially since it’s not always easy to find single servings of pumpkin pie in the market. Having one of these gives the flavor of pumpkin pie, but without having a whole pie sitting in your house.  A yummy treat without any added temptation.

Calorie wise a pie is 240 calories which is equal to 6 points plus.

QUESTION:
Have you tried the McDonald`s pumpkin pie?

Yoplait Light Pumpkin Pie Yogurt

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again … fall is upon us, which means pumpkin everything! One of my favorite repeat purchases has been Yoplait Light Pumpkin Pie Yogurt.  This little gem is distributed by Yoplait this time of year … but oddly enough is usually only found (at least in my area) at Target locations. I first spotted this last year and have been hooked since then.  When I spotted this 4-pack at Target, I immediately put it in my cart.

The yogurt flavoring is on point; it tastes just like a pumpkin pie although a slightly tart pumpkin pie.  Before I take my first bite, I usually have to remind myself of the consistency. The yogurt is on the thinner side which isn’t the texture of pumpkin pie so it at first is a little mind boggling. Granted, if this were a Greek yogurt, I think it’d be a homerun in the park but even with it being regular yogurt it’s quite delicious.. Last year I did try these incorporated into a smoothie and it was a deliciously fabulous experience. I haven’t made a pumpkin pie smoothie yet because I ate up my yogurt and have to get to Target to get another pack soon!

One cup is 2 points plus, whereas 2 cups is 3 points plus.  Quite worth it for the average pumpkin lover!

QUESTION:
Have you tried the Yoplait Pumpkin Pie yogurt?

Nature Valley Granola Thins - Pumpkin Pie

I was actually told about these limited edition Nature Valley Granola Thins in Pumpkin Pie via Instagram. My love of pumpkin is strong and I personally wouldn’t have known about these unless I just happened to be browsing Stop & Shop and stumbled upon the mini display … which probably wouldn’t have happened.

I have wanted to try the granola thins for the longest time but since I’m not a big fan of dark chocolate I just couldn’t justify making the purchase. But give me a milk chocolate (which they don’t sell) or a pumpkin pie granola thin and I am all on board.  When I opened the package, I was gifted with a nice pumpkin pie scent.  Taking the first bite I was rewarded with that crumbly granola texture and then a sweet frosting on the bottom of the thin.  A perfect blend of both pumpkin and granola – definitely two thumbs up!

A serving is one thin, which conveniently come packaged in their own individual packs.  A serving is 80 calories or 2 points plus values.  I did find these at Stop & Shop but have yet to see them elsewhere.

QUESTION:

Have you tried any of the Nature Valley Granola Thins?

Philadelphia Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese

When fall rolls around and pumpkin items begin to hit shelves at Target, every year I make sure to pick up the Philadelphia Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese. One of my favorite things to get during fall is a Dunkin Donuts multi-grain bagel and pumpkin spice cream cheese. It’s a wonderful match, but it’s so high in points it’s something I enjoy but typically don’t have because it’s really not worth the boatload of points.

The pumpkin spice cream cheese is smooth and creamy, yet slightly softer than regular plain cream cheese.  It’s sweet and undoubtedly pumpkin spice flavored. I enjoy it on bagel slims or even light English muffins. I think it would even be a great addition to baked goods – but that’s a road I have not traveled so I’m not sure how it might turn out.

A serving is 2 tablespoons, which rings in at 80 calories or 2 points plus values. I have only spotted this at Target – but I do know there’s a store brand version at Aldi incase you have that grocery store in your area.

QUESTION:

Have you ever tried pumpkin spice cream cheese?

Starbucks Via Pumpkin Spice

The moment fall is close to coming into the picture, fall items start arriving. One of the drinks I absolutely love, but don’t order very often is the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks.  It’s pumpkin, its latte, and it’s pure magic. So when I spotted the Starbucks Via Pumpkin Spice packets on the shelf at Target, I quickly scooped up a box.

I heated up 1 cup of milk, added in the Via packet and stirred it up … and it was HORRIBLE!  Now, I love coffee, but this has a very, very bold coffee flavor to it. I actually picked up more of the coffee flavor than I did any pumpkin.  The packet of mix smelled more of pumpkin in powder form than it did when it was mixed in with my milk.  Once I mixed it with the milk it just smelled of very, very bold coffee.  Now, I admit, I love coffee BUT I’m more of a light and occasional medium roast coffee fan. This was so bold I’d have to water it down to make it palatable, but by then I’d probably end up just drinking 1-2 cups of milk with a mild flavor in the background. I’d have to give it a nice dosing of sugar free pumpkin syrup and a few Equal packets, plus some additional milk to maybe even get a pumpkin flavor.  Needless to say … I was quite bummed, especially since the Via packets are not cheap.

Each pack has 60 calories to it, which is 2 points plus values. You then need to add in your points/calories associated with the type of milk you use.

QUESTION:

Do you like any of the Starbucks Via packets?

Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts

Pop-Tarts … back in my “hay day” my ideal choice for a late breakfast or even a mid-afternoon snack.  Toaster pastries are a long-lost “love” of mine and I can honestly say it’s been years since I have had a Pop-Tart. That is, until I spotted these Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts on the shelf and just had to give them a go.

I’m a self proclaimed pumpkin fanatic and pumpkin pie is one of my all time favorite pies. These did not let me down, the pastries are fabulous.  They’re good at room temperature straight out of the packaging, but they are heavenly after being toasted.  They really do taste like pumpkin pie.  The filling is undoubtedly pumpkin pie, the frosting is sweet but it doesn’t make the pastry sickeningly sweet and the crust is reminiscent of pie crust. Spot on as far as I’m concerned.

The one major thing I dislike about Pop-Tarts is not the product itself, but its packaging. A serving size is 1 pastry, yet there are 2 pastries in a pack. Sure, a pastry can be taken out of a pack and put into a zip-lock bag … but that’s a little annoying.  I have yet to make an exception to my stubborn rule until these. Typically I’ll eat one pastry and share the other with whoever I’m with.

One pastry is a serving, which runs at 200 calories or 5 points plus values.  Worth it if you’re in the market for something sweet and tasty.

QUESTION:

What is your favorite Pop-Tart flavor?

Tastee Caramel Apples

These little Tastee Caramel Apples are one of my favorite items at the grocery store once September rolls around.  I enjoy caramel apples, but usually they are only massive, not quite good for you and truly caked in excess sugary bits.  I enjoy these particular apples because they are smaller (single serving, or you could even share it with a friend/loved one) and give you just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming.

There are a few different varieties as far as the caramel topping go – but I typically keep it simple and stick with the peanut covered caramel apple.  I enjoy these the most straight out of the fridge because it makes the caramel a little harder (but not crack/chip your tooth hard) – plus in general I enjoy my apples cold.  Plus when eating it cold it takes me longer to eat it, so it makes it an even more enjoyable experience.

The apples are relatively crisp and slightly sweet, the caramel topping is chewy but a little softer, and the peanuts give it a nice softer crunch.  An entire apple is 160 calories and 4 points plus values.  A nice, delicious, different treat during the cooler months – can’t beat that!

QUESTION:

Do you like caramel or candy apples?

Pumpkin Oatmeal

With fall upon us I had a strong inkling for pumpkin oatmeal. With that, I decided to whip up a pot of pumpkin oatmeal to have on hand for the week.  I have seen pumpkin oatmeal recipes for the crock pot but they involved chunks of real pumpkin in it.  Since canned pumpkin is readily available to me I decided to venture down a different path.  I did google pumpkin oatmeal and I found a recipe by Aarti Sequeira from the Food Network. I used that as a stepping stone for my oatmeal and adapted it to the flavors I would like in my oatmeal as well as keeping an eye on the ingredients I used because I didn’t want my oatmeal to be astronomically high in points plus values.

I have to say the end result is pretty delicious. Its pumpkin flavored, but mildly sweet and I can have a variety of different serving sizes depending on my hunger at the time (1 1/4 cups = 6 points plus, 1 cup = 5 points plus or 1/2 cup = 2 points plus).  The thing I like about the dish is that it can be adapted to how you like your oatmeal – whether you like it wetter or dryer, you can increase or decrease on the additional water I added at the end.    The whole recipe made 5 cups of oatmeal.

Serves 5. Serving Size – 1 Cup.  5 Points Plus Values.

Ingredients:

-          14 oz pumpkin puree

-          2/3 cup skim milk

-          1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk

-          1 cup water, plus 2/3 cup reserved

-          1 tsp pumpkin spice

-          1 tsp cinnamon

-          1 tsp brown sugar

-          ¼ cup sugar free maple syrup

-          ¼ tsp salt

-          1 ¼ tbsp honey

-          3 packets Equal (optional)

-          2 cups quick cooking oats

In a large pot add pumpkin, milk, almond milk, brown sugar, 1 cup water, cinnamon, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice.  Turn flame on to medium heat and blend pumpkin together with the remaining contents until blended smooth and starting to bubble.

Once bubbling add in the quick cooking oats and stir to combine. When combined drizzle in the honey and stir to combine.  Depending on the thickness, slowly add in some of the reserved 2/3 cup water and blend water into the oatmeal until absorbed.

Taste the flavor of the oatmeal and if not sweet enough for your liking, sprinkle in 3 packets of Equal and stir to combine.  Allow the pot to simmer for 1-2 minutes before turning off the heat.

Pumpkin Spice M&M’s

As mentioned in a previous post – I am a pumpkin fanatic.  So when I saw there was Pumpkin Spice M&M’s being sold, I immediately jumped on the bandwagon, put them into my Target shopping cart and had to bring them home. I love pumpkin and I love chocolate and any way to bring the two together is a-okay in my book!

I cracked open the bag the day after buying them because I wanted chocolate.  But I have to say... I was a little disappointed. They’re not bad, but they definitely don’t pack a pumpkin punch.  They taste like a classic M&M that’s slightly bigger in size and after chewing there’s a very, very mild pumpkin taste in the background. But it’s literally so mild it’s almost not noticeable.  I guess this may be a good thing for some – but for others who are expecting a true pumpkin spice flavor they’d be a bit disappointed as I had.

A serving size is 1.5 oz which is roughly ¼ cup of the bag (which is more than what is in my hand in the photograph above) and is 210 calories.  A serving is 5 points plus values.

QUESTION:

What is one of your favorite fall/Halloween flavored candies?

Yoplait Light Pumpkin Pie Yogurt

Fall is upon us, which means pumpkin everything!  One thing Yoplait came up with was this Pumpkin Pie flavored yogurt.  For those who are on Weight Watchers (as I am) this light yogurt is only 2 points plus values.  I LOVE anything pumpkin, so I immediately threw these in my cart when I spotted them at Target.  The 4-pack was $2 as they were on sale 3 for $6 last week.

The yogurt flavoring is on point, it taste just like a pumpkin pie ALTHOUGH the consistency of the yogurt really threw me off.  It's watery in consistency as Yoplait yogurts tend to be so that kind of made me think the yogurt was strange.  The flavoring is there but it would have been SO much better if it were slightly thicker since anything pumpkin (in my opinion) should be thicker.  I did decide to use one of these in a smoothie and I found I like how that turned out.