#16. Williams-Sonoma Pumpkin Crossaints - Part 2

...many hours later I returned home from work to find my croissant triplets had doubled in size. That development certainly boded well for the texture. I crossed my fingers, set the stove dial to 350, and like the witch in Hansel and Gretel, slid the children into the oven.

Baked Croissants

Seventeen minutes later I retrieved the croissants, which had browned lightly. FYI, I prefer I slightly soft croissant, but if you're aiming for a very crispy exterior, leave them in the oven longer.

This breakfast pastry fairy had an insanely happy ending. I cannot believe how a croissant resurrected from its frozen state could have such amazingly buttery, light, and flaky dough. Complementing this savory casing studded with roasted seeds was a sweet, intense pumpkin and cinnamon filling. I consumed two of these babies post haste and forced myself to leave one for my husband.

Very often you do not get what you pay for with regards to pricey gourmet food. This product is a wonderful exception.

#16. Williams-Sonoma Pumpkin Croissants - Part 1

When it comes to what I am willing to pay for food, I'm all over the map. I rummage through the discount bin at Kroger like I only have two nickels to my name, then go home and purchase overpriced cheese online. And then there's the fact that I steal lemon slices from HEB to put in my water bottle. 

Williams-Sonoma is known for its extravagant, unnecessarily expensive food and I am known to purchase it on occasion. 

When their Pumpkin Croissants (12 per pack) went on "sale" to $31 and I had a coupon for $10 off my order plus free shipping, I couldn't resist. Fast-forward to this morning when as per WS's very detailed preparation instructions, I removed half of the batch so that they could rise for approximately 7 hours prior to baking.

Stay tuned for the outcome...

#12. Quaker Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

Seasonal pumpkin-flavored products tend to fall into the not-so-healthy category (I'm looking at you Hostess Pumpkin Spice Donuttes), so it was refreshing to see Quaker Oats had gotten the squash bandwagon via its offering of a limited edition pumpkin spice instant oatmeal.  Although Irish steel cut oats are my absolute favorite type of oatmeal, Quaker products in my tasting experience are extremely satisfactory. 

Each box comes with eight packets of instant oatmeal that is easily reconstituted with hot water or warm milk or cream. (I suggest using the latter for a heartier, more decadent matutinal meal.)  Along with oats, packets also hold various spices and a bit o'sugar.

This composition naturally (or rather, unnaturally) renders the instant oatmeal more caloric than plain oats; however, each packet is still only 160 calories and for that expense you still gain the profit of whole grains, fiber, and enhanced taste.

Speaking of which, the pumpkin flavor is strong, young padawan, in this hot cereal, and leaves one feeling satisfied and invigorated to take on all the challenges of the day ahead, be they navigating corporate mazes or wielding a light saber. Not that they are mutually exclusive.

#5. Pumpkin Spice Pancake (and Waffle!) Mix

Two-word review: Absolutely amazing. I bought this mix at World Market, dubious of its pumpkin flavor given past Fails with pumpkin mixes.  This mix, with its ease of preparation (just add oil and water), and intense, earthy squash taste and ample spices, is a great value.

Pancake in heat.

Tip: Substitute milk instead of water for a denser, creamier texture and use ample butter to grease the pan and create a slightly crispy, savory surface to the cake.