PSA (and L) for the Upcoming Season
Photo by Christine McShane Photography
In the spirit of transparency, I am here today to set the record straight about a certain matter. I am confident that when I come clean about this, many of you will be upset with me. You may opt to hide me, block me, publicly shun me; the possibilities are as varied as all of you.
But I am willing to risk being considered a pariah, to be exiled to a metaphorical Elba, because I believe my position has been deeply misconstrued and misrepresented, and I can no longer remain silent.
I am, of course, talking about my stance on Pumpkin Spice.
Buckle up, Peanut Butter Cups, because I have a lot to say. Get cozy. Grab snacks.
Many have cast me as a curmudgeon or some kind of wood crone because they presumed that I loathe Pumpkin Spice as a flavor, and as such, I am somehow un-American. Nothing could be further from the truth. I love the aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice, for it is, in my not-so-humble opinion, the trademark scent of Fall in New England. Pumpkin pie is my favorite Thanksgiving dessert, and I am certain the amalgam of spices draws me to it, both for its pleasant bouquet and tantalizing taste.
That is not to say that pumpkin spice needs to be present in a pumpkin product for me to enjoy it. I am a fan of pumpkin bread and pumpkin muffins, both pumpkin spice-infused and plain.
While I generally eschew flavored coffee beverages, I make an exception for the caffeinated concoction known as the Pumpkin Spice Latte. I prefer the Starbucks variation over Dunks, but I am a coffee snob, which is a tale told another day.
And at this juncture, dear friends, I beseech you to follow along carefully because I am about to throw down my gauntlet.
I know that many of you have been enjoying pumpkin spice products since approximately July 5th. However, However, I believe that all pumpkin spice products should only be enjoyed on or after 8:43 a.m. ET on September 22nd, which marks Autumn Equinox. Not a moment sooner.
Also, I do not believe that Pumpkin Spice needs to be incorporated into everything from candles and air fresheners to hand cream and shampoo.
Finally, while I have reluctantly accepted the pumpkin spice invasion of the food industry, I draw the line at anything other than pie, muffins, or bread. If anyone offers me pumpkin spice Oreos or any other such abomination, I will not hesitate to call the police.
So until the first day of fall, I will be traipsing about in my summer uniform — shorts, t-shirt, flip-flops (and possibly a bra) — sipping lemonade and eating ice cream with unfettered enthusiasm.
Who knows? Maybe I’ll catch you in line at Starbucks when it comes time for my annual PSL.
I am Judi 411, and I approve this PSL-free message.