Trader Joe's Pumpkin Pie Spiced Ginger Brew: While a seasonal pumpkin pie TJ's item is understandably out of place in the middle of Spring, I was lucky to get to try this item many months after it was on the shelves because a friend saved it for when I returned to the states. Being outside of the US last fall meant I missed the hit-or-miss frenzy of pumpkin flavored things at Trader Joe's. This bottle of pumpkin-pie spiced ginger brew looks substantial but actually only contains two servings and contains no actual pumpkin; instead, i... (read more) 3.5/5.0
recommended drinks traderjoes pumpkin pie spiced ginger brew 3.5
Echo Farm Puddings Heidi's Spiced Pumpkin: Made with whole milk, this seasonal pudding has a texture a bit looser than I would expect (almost like non-Greek yogurt), spiced with a pumpkin-pie mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove. It's very sweet, with 27g of sugar in a cup. It feels homely and understated, in that you know exactly what you're getting; as a result, it isn't especially memorable. 3.0/5.0
parkslopefoodcoop echofarmpuddings heidi's spiced pumpkin 3.0
Dominique Ansel Bakery Gingerbread Pinecone: I still haven't tried a cronut, but I have tried some of Dominique Ansel's desserts in the past, mostly through special events held at his New York West Village Kitchen location. While some were exceptional, namely a pea and carrot dessert modeled after a baby's first word, others have actually been quite bad (like the pie night a few years ago). There is a relatively short line at his first bakery and restaurant in Los Angeles at The Grove, so I opted for a seasonal treat: the gingerbread... (read more) 4.5/5.0
exceptional desserts cake ganache ginger spiced speculoos chocolate losangeles la dominiqueansel dominiqueanselbakery gingerbread pinecone 4.5
Trader Joe's Pfeffernüsse: German cookies with a hard coating dusted in powdered sugar. The white exterior is strongly spiced, reminiscent of wintermint, which I find to be overly strong for the more neutral gingerbread-flavored cookie. They are a mess to eat and require a plate to avoid crumbs and dust ending up all over yourself. The packaging suggests pairing with a hot beverage, which I believe would help, but on their own, these snacks are a pass. 2.0/5.0
cookies german spiced traderjoes pfeffernisse 2.0
Newman's Own Ginger Hermits: These soft cookies are remarkably like Fig Newtons, with the same rectangular shape and dried fruit (raisins) throughout. While spiced like a holiday cookie, there is little ginger flavoring I could discern. Decently filling and moist, with a chewy texture. 3.0/5.0
cookies spiced newmansown ginger hermits 3.0
Joia grapefruit, chamomile, and cardamom soda: A refreshing take on grapefruit soda that's nicely spiced and sweetened. Grapefruit flavor is prominent and concentrated. Fizz is substantial and lasting. 4.0/5.0
joia soda drinks grapefruit cardamom chamomile spiced 4.0 recommended