A hot take for the pumpkin haters
+my favorite spots for mountain lovers
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I was chatting with a friend the other day - a known pumpkin hater, who told me to “step away from the pumpkin” after my most recent pumpkin recipe share - which led to an interesting revelation for me…
Do pumpkin haters actually HATE pumpkin, or do they hate certain spiced desserts?
Case in point, when I asked mi amiga if she likes spice cakes? She said, “Rarely.” Which, when you think about it, MANY pumpkin desserts are heavily spiced with the fall favorites: cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom, etc. etc. On to something? Me thinks, yes.
Now, I will say, I don’t personally love the texture of pumpkin on its own (or in a pumpkin pie, yuck). But, when added to a cake, the pumpkin is more about moisture and color than flavor - in my humble opinion.
Let’s be honest, I also think people just love to hate a trend. No offense… we all do it.
If you’re in the camp of “say no to pumpkin” desserts, do let me know in the comments how you feel about more heavily spiced desserts. Also, just for you, here’s a list of 20 fall desserts that I love without pumpkin!
GOLDEN GOODIES
Now, these are a little trick on the ‘ol eyes. Do they look like cute edible mini pumpkins? Yep! Do they contain any actual pumpkin in them? Nope! As I’ve said, I’m not a cute baker - at least not without a lot more dedicated practice - so this is about as cute as I get. Lucky for all of us, they come together very easily (just some twine tying magic) and puff to perfect centerpiece (and eating) perfection!
A magnificent cinnamon roll makes it into my top 5 favorite desserts. But sometimes you need something a little quicker, and a pinch more shareable. Like these simple mini cinnamon rolls made with store-bought puff pastry. Perfect for a party (if you’re into those things)...
Family recipe tin classic coming right up. My mom makes this pumpkin cake at least once a year (you’re welcome, mom, I did it for you this year). It’s incredibly soft and topped with an easy homemade cream cheese frosting. Oh, and the cake comes together all in one bowl!
Now, if you’re not in need of a whole cake, no fear. Your fall sweet tooth can be satisfied with this single-serve pumpkin cupcake recipe with cream cheese frosting. Oh, and it makes two because you always need a second.
TRAVEL ACCENTS
A new fall tradition has been made!
On our drive from Boone, NC to Banner Elk, NC, my mom and I happened across the most curated, artistic, GORGEOUS pumpkin set-up I’ve ever seen (with a Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop)!! Obviously, we needed to skkrrrr right off our planned drive and walk around. To our luck, it was opening day for Harvest Farms! We ended up exploring and then coming back with my sister and nephew the next day to pick pumpkins, make a fresh cut flower bouquet, ride the tractor, and explore the corn maze.
P.S. Don’t sleep on the drive from Valle Crucis, NC, up the Beech Mountain Parkway. There’s a realtor’s office towards the top that has the BEST views. It’s a tiny lot to pull off into, but worth it for a quick look.
Ok, so I’ve been sleeping on Boone, Blowing Rock, and the surrounding areas.
While I’ve visited Blowing Rock and Boone, NC, countless times over the years (it being roughly 90 minutes from where I grew up outside of Charlotte), I can’t say I fully fell in love with it until this past year. Partly because I actually took the time to explore, but also, I’m pretty sure they’ve continuously swapped in better and better food and shopping options. I’ve not explored all of Western, NC (yet!), but so far this is my favorite area (+here are 18 of the best things to do in and around Boone & Blowing Rock).
In one newsletter, we’ve unpacked the pumpkin-hating phenomenon AND uncovered some hidden NC mountain gems. I call that a win.
Catch ya on the flip side,
Hannah
P.S. Tag me @accentgolden on Instagram and TikTok if you make any of these recipes or use these travel tips!