The timeline leading up to political elections is commonly called, “the silly season.” It’s the time when people don’t seem to act normally and those observing this abnormal behavior seem to accept it as normal for that time of year.

During the holiday shopping season we see this same kind of behavior with “Black Friday,” “Small Business Saturday,” and “Cyber Monday.” Those three days when normal behavior is put on hold and “anything goes” in the name of smart shopping and bargain hunting.

Thanksgiving

The fourth Thursday of November has been set-aside for all Americans to give thanks for the blessings they enjoy. With high unemployment and a sort of recession it will be hard for some to find much to be thankful for this year. Still no matter the circumstances, or monetary challenges, family and friends still gather together to celebrate love and compassion.

I started this blog speaking about the “silly season” and went off on family. Well there is a method to that madness. One of those silly things that we all remember from our childhood or our introduction to the traditions of our new in-laws is strange or unusual food. It might be Aunt Jennie’s Goat Pie or Mom’s Pineapple Turkey. The point is, people can do some really silly stuff with holiday food and the main ingredient for the Thanksgiving feast is of course, the pumpkin. Here are some fun examples of unusual pumpkin foods.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Pringles

Most people are familiar with the potato chip brand that stacks and comes in a can. I guess a new tradition is on the horizon. Trying to imagine watching turkey day football and feasting on bean or guacamole dip and good ole Pumpkin Pie Spice Pringles. Wonder what beer goes well with that?

Pinnacle Pumpkin Pie Vodka

When you just gotta have some pumpkin pie, but are trying to avoid those pesky calories, then pumpkin pie vodka is your answer. A little whipped cream on top and you’ve got a holiday treat requiring a designated driver. Otherwise, if you do decide to drive home, it might give new meaning to, “over the river and through the woods.”

Pumpkin Cheesecake Kit Kat

I know! That actually sounds pretty good to me. But, unfortunately you are going to have to take a slow boat to Japan, not China, for this tasty Asian treat. Other cool varieties that only the Japanese get to sample are strawberry, green tea, fudge, bittersweet and dark chocolate. First we lose the Twinkie; and now we can’t get Pumpkin Cheesecake Kit Kat? This economy is way worse than I thought.

Chicken-Pumpkin Tacos with Post Road Pumpkin Ale

As you can see, I’ve saved the best for last. I know you are clamoring for the recipe. Here are the ingredients, use any amounts of each you like. You will need chicken, pumpkin, red peppers, onions, cumin, tomatoes, salt, hot sauce, cilantro, chili powder, cheddar cheese, sliced avocado, salsa, sour cream and a flour tortilla.

The taco itself sounds pretty appetizing however I’m not sure the Post Road Pumpkin Ale would be my chaser of choice. There are several components of this recipe that just don’t go well with ale. Chili powder, onions and cilantro just to name three.

Some Final Thoughts

Our local McDonald’s restaurant produces an excellent pumpkin milkshake each year about this time. It will be hard to live in my house unless I have a couple of those bad boys coolin’ in the freezer since it’s become one of the wife’s favorite holiday treats. What are some of your “off the wall” holiday food delicacies? If you don’t have one perhaps this is the year you need to get creative. I’d suggest a Pumpkin Twinkie. Something tells me there might be a demand.

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