People frequently say that fall is the prime Gossip Girl or Gilmore Girls rewatching season. For me, it’s the peak of Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s seasonal items are my Super Bowl. From the vast selection of items that are stocked for the season, these 10 are the ones that are the first to be in my cart!
- Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
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This creamy, warm, melt-in-your-mouth pasta truly is “fall” in a bowl. The sage and nutmeg are the perfect seasonal spices that highlight the natural creaminess of the butternut squash. The three cheeses create the most delicious sauce to douse the noodles in. Trader Joe’s creates a new twist to the comfort food we all love, and simultaneously fills it with vegetables as well.
- Mini Spicy Pumpkin Samosas
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A seasonal twist on a traditional samosa. Each triangle of flaky filo pastry is packed full of traditional Indian spices and pumpkin pieces. If prepared in the oven or an air fryer, they are both crispy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside. The small pieces of paneer cheese create the perfect textural difference to the pumpkin filling. These seemingly small appetizers provide all the warm and comforting flavors I crave all season. I always buy more than one box at a time, and make sure to visit the Trader Joe’s on Columbus Ave. on their restock days. If you wait too long, they’re sure to be sold out.
- Pumpkin Ginger Hold the Cones
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My favorite flavor of my favorite ice cream cones! As a pumpkin-lover, I may be biased, but I believe that these are the ideal desserts for any occasion. My only complaint is that there are only eight in a box! It’s the perfect combination of creamy pumpkin ice cream with a soft ginger cone that’s then coated in a delightful “confectionary dip,” which resembles a mix of royal icing and white chocolate. The box says a single serving is three cones, so you don’t have to have any guilt in eating more than one. And trust me — one cone will never be enough.
- Maple-Flavored Toffee
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My second favorite seasonal dessert. I was hesitant to get these at first, but my best friend convinced me and now I need to convince you to buy these. They provide the tried and true maple flavor, while still being not overly sweet. They’re inspired by England’s favorite treat, butter fudge. They deliver a faultless saltiness to complement the natural sweetness of the maple. Truly a melt-in-your-mouth experience, it’s hard to not eat a whole box in one sitting.
- Pumpkin Butter
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A fantastic fall condiment to start my day with! My personal favorite way to eat it is with toasted sourdough that is lathered in regular butter and then topped with pumpkin butter. For extra pumpkin flavor, try spreading it on a toasted piece of the pumpkin brioche twist. You can also lean into its savory side and pair it with cheese. It’s a jar of seasonal flavors that do nothing but bring you joy.
- Maple Leaf Cookies
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I know what you’re thinking: these aren’t actual seasonal cookies. You’re right, however, I don’t think anyone could argue that these don’t encapsulate all that fall has to offer. They’re the perfect way to showcase the fall vibes year-round. These cookies are similar to the fan-favorite Oreo sandwich cookies, but bring a maple leaf twist to them. They are soft, yet crumbly and are filled with the most decadent maple cream filling. Wh
- Pumpkin Brioche Twist
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Each slice is soft and fluffy with an immaculate twist of pumpkin throughout. I enjoy it most when it’s toasted and covered in butter, pumpkin spread, or cream cheese. If you have leftovers, or it begins to go stale, don’t hesitate to turn it into French toast. It’s a wonderful way to start your day on any fall morning.
- Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli
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My go-to quick dinner. Each ravioli is a balanced pocket full of sweetness from the honey and brown sugar and savoriness from the pumpkin and cheese. I typically eat them covered in pesto and they never disappoint. I can have them cooked and ready to eat in under ten minutes, impeccable for girl dinner!
- Spiced Cider
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The most comforting drink you could ask for. Once heated, it tastes like a mug of all my hopes and dreams. Every sip makes me more and more ready for it to start to get colder and for the leaves to change. An extra sprinkle of cinnamon on top, and it truly couldn’t get any better.
- Pumpkin Frozen Waffles
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An ideal on-the-go breakfast. Pop these in the toaster and slather in butter or peanut butter for a Gilmore Girls fall breakfast. Also, as a bonus, they can make a great base for a fall-inspired ice cream sandwich. These waffles can truly do no harm.