One of the things I like about the fall season is the appearance of pumpkins in various food products. I love pumpkins and look forward to pumpkin goodies appearing around this time. This year, I have found a few new pumpkin delights.

My sister Jean alerted me to the existence of Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts. I checked every store near me and came up empty. Fortunately, Jean takes care of me and treated me to two boxes upon my next visit. Even with the frosting, they do not cross the “too sweet” line. I now have several boxes in my pantry.

I usually like my cheesecake plain, but Eli’s Pumpkin Cheesecake is an exception. It is lightly spiced and the perfect texture. They also make Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake (with chantilly cream topping) and Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake.

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I was already a fan of Frontera’s Mango Key Lime Salsa, and was very happy to see Pumpkin Chipotle Salsa, their newest seasonal product. I prefer big flavor to hot spice in my salsa, and Frontera delivers it the way I like it.

Pumpkins aren’t reserved just for desserts either. At Lucky Platter, they serve a delicious Caribbean pumpkin soup. It is layered with so much flavor and, with an order of cornbread, can serve as a great lunch on a chilly afternoon.

These are the best new pumpkin products I have found. I have heard rumors of pumpkin risotto and pumpkin cannoli, but I have seen nothing firsthand. I am hopeful, though.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist