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    Foodie Nightmare: Pumpkin Craze

    Foodie nightmare: The pumpkin craze is completely out of control, but there still are some worthy dishes

    Marene Gustin
    Marene Gustin
    Oct 18, 2014 | 1:27 pm

    I blame Starbucks.

    Really, wasn't it the first to trot out the pumpkin spice latte as a seasonal drink?

    And now things have gotten out of hand.

    Today we have Pumpkin Spice Hershey’s Kisses and Pumpkin Spice Oreos. IHOP has a pumpkin praline pancake made with both pumpkin and pumpkin spice.

    Pumpkins, pretty much squashes on steroids, have been around for centuries.

    Now pumpkin spice has no actual pumpkin in it. The reason you think it does is because pumpkin spice is a mixture of spices, usually cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and allspice that goes into pumpkin to make the pie filling. (Here’s an easy recipe.) So the pumpkin spice latte (and those Oreos) remind you of pumpkin pie — sans the pumpkin.

    Pumpkins, pretty much squashes on steroids, have been around for centuries and have appeared in literature as far back as Shakespeare’s Merry Wives of Windsor. In America the natives ate pumpkins and wove strips of pumpkins into mats. According to the University of Illinois it was the colonists who first made pumpkin pie by slicing off the top, scooping out the seeds, adding honey and spices and baking the whole thing in hot ashes.

    Frankly, I think the whole pie crust thing was a vast improvement.

    Today pumpkin pies are ubiquitous with the Thanksgiving season and start turning up on menus and dinner tables around Halloween. But, just like pumpkin spice, there are lots of dishes that can be made from the nutritious pumpkin innards.

    JerryBuilt Homegrown Burgers is pumpkin crazed this time of year. Not only are pumpkin items on the menu at the Houston locations, the West University store is hosting a pumpkin patch and farmers market Oct. 25 and 26. Proceeds will benefit the Houston Humane Society.

    As for the menu, they’ve got pumpkin bread with spiced pumpkin pecan ice cream, an autumn salad topped with toasted pumpkin seeds, spiced pumpkin pecan milk shakes and even pumpkin beer. That’s a lot of pumpkin. Saint Arnold Brewing Company also puts out Imperial Pumpkin Stout this time of year.

    If you’re in Pearland check out Killen’s Steakhouse where it has a delicious pumpkin bread pudding on the October menu made with cayenne-spiced candied pecans . . . and pumpkin, of course.

    And because pumpkin works really well in desserts, most of your favorite bakeries will be featuring some seasonal goodies fresh from the oven.

    Dessert Gallery has pumpkin tortes, pumpkin cheesecakes, pumpkin pie truffles and pumpkin cookies.

    Over at Ooh La La there’s also pumpkin cheesecake as well as pumpkin pies and pumpkin rolls come Nov. 1.

    Shop, dine out or get creative in your own kitchen with the remnants of that Jack O’Lantern. Use that pumpkin goodness in your own pies or just roast the seeds (mix with melted butter and salt first) and you’ve got an easy seasonal snack.

    Pumpkin Spice Oreos are stuffed with a subtly sweet pumpkin spice filling.

    Pumpkin Spice Oreos October 2014 cookies
      
    Courtesy photo
    Pumpkin Spice Oreos are stuffed with a subtly sweet pumpkin spice filling.
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    Procrastinator's Guide To Thanksgiving

    Procrastinator's Guide to Thanksgiving: Restaurant choices range from traditional to around the world

    Elizabeth Rhodes
    Nov 24, 2014 | 10:07 am
    Procrastinator's Guide to Thanksgiving: Restaurant choices range from traditional to around the world
    Courtesy photo
    Enjoy roasted turkey breast carved by Fogo de Chao's gaucho chefs, served with sweet potato casserole and cranberry relish.

    With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's time to start making arrangements if you don't already have a Turkey Day feast planned. Use CultureMap's guide — with options ranging from Brasilian cuisine to Cajun fare (and many standards, of course) — to help you figure out where to go and where to make reservations to celebrate the holiday.

    Amalfi
    This Italian newcomer in the Briargrove shopping center is featuring a four-course menu. Start with butternut squash soup. Choose from roasted quail lasagna or riccotta-stuffed pasta for your second course. Entree choices consist of stuffed turkey breast or roast sucking pig served with Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, green beans and eggplant caponata. Finish with chocolate meringue or pecan tart.
    Price: $50

    Americas/Churrascos
    Cordúa Restaurants are hosting a brunch buffet all area Americas and Churrascos locations. The buffet will include familiar dishes with a South American twist, including pumpkin and chorizo empanadas, aji pepper-rubbed turkey and pumpkin spice tres leches to name a few. Many of the restaurants' classic dishes will also be available, and don't miss out on the cinnamon-spiced cranberry sangria.
    Price: $49 for adults, $15 for children aged 6 to 12

    Artisans
    If you're interested in a French take on the holiday, visit this Midtown establishment for their four-course prix fixe feast. The meal begins with a oyster and chorizo cornbread, then on to select from jumbo lump crab cakes or a port braised short rib. Entrees range from wild rice crusted Alaskan halibut to roasted turkey breast with cream of mushrooms. A decadent pumpkin opera cake serves as the perfect finish to the autumnal meal.
    Price: $75

    Brennan's of Houston
    From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the iconic restaurant will be offering a three-course prix fixe meal. For a down-home take on French fare, start with the duck prosciutto and foie gras dish featuring duck cracklins. As for entrees, the Creole roasted turkey with jalapeno cheddar corn pudding and molasses-roasted sweet potato and pumpkin puree steals the show for a Southern take on Thanksgiving staples. Dessert options include cinnamon spiced pumpkin pie and Brennan's iconic banana's Foster.
    Price: $60

    The Federal Grill
    If you are in the mood a traditional Thanksgiving feast, this Washington-area eatery is the place for you. The three-course menu include oven roasted turkey and honey baked ham, as well as standard (and delicious) Turkey Day sides. The restaurant is offering two seatings, one at noon and another at 2:30 p.m.
    Price: $48 for adults, $12 for children 10 and under

    Fogo de Chao
    The well-known Brasilian steakhouse is serving up all the meats you could conceivably want to eat as part of their holiday feast. Roasted turkey breast, sweet potato casserole and cranberry relish will make you feel right at home. In addition to standard holiday fare, the churrascaria is also serving up house specialties like picanha sirloin, filet mignon, lamb chops, bone-in pork chop and bacon-wrapped chicken.
    Price: $52

    Mockingbird Bistro
    This neighborhood bistro is offering a three-course holiday meal from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For the first course, opt for the butternut squash souffle, complete with glazed shimeji mushrooms and toasted pepitas. As for entrees, herb roasted turkey with stuffing and sweet potato puree will satisfy your desire for traditional Thanksgiving fare. Dessert options include pumpkin cheesecake, apple bread pudding and chocolate pecan pie.
    Price: $65 for adults, $25 for children

    Rainbow Lodge
    This long-time restaurant's three-course prix fixe menu features dishes with a distinctly Southern slant. For the first course, you can't go wrong with the "Taste of the Wild," comprised of the chef's sampling of wild game. A medallion of venison paired with stuffed quail and pork belly corn pudding is a stunner, although a more traditional turkey and sides meal is also an excellent option. The croissant bread pudding is a can't-miss dessert choice. The best part yet? You can take home turkey and dressing (enough for a delicious sandwich) for only $5 extra.
    Price: $55

    60 Degrees Mastercrafted
    This ranch-to-table restaurant is offering an extensive buffet in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday. You can expect gourmet updates on classics, including curried deviled eggs and foie gras bread pudding. Entree options include traditional fare, such as slow roasted turkey and baked ham with a brown sugar glaze, as well as herb roasted Akausi roast beef. Don't miss out on sides like fried Brussels sprouts and baked sweet potato casserole.
    Price: $37 for adults, $15 for children 10 and under

    Sorrel Urban Bistro
    Contemporary fare reigns supreme at the Upper Kirby restaurant's final Thanksgiving meal (it will be closing in the new year). From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sorrel offers everything from handmade gnocchi and foie gras brulee to smoked turkey leg and Chilean sea bass. Add some holiday cheer and finish your meal with a slice of pumpkin or pecan pie.
    Price: A la carte

    Did we miss your favorite Thanksgiving destination? Leave a comment below.

    CultureMap food writer Eric Sandler contributed to this article.

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