Dearest Pumpkin

        Fall is my #1 favorite season. I love everything about it -- the gorgeous colors, the little trick-or-treaters showing up at my door on Halloween, the distinctive tastes and smells of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg… and pumpkin. Dearest pumpkin.
        I have made new best buddies this year: pumpkins and scones. I was very eager to hop on the bandwagon and eat 'em as one. Pumpkin Scones... my weakness. 

Pumpkin Scones

Becoming Acquainted with Pumpkin

        I must admit that there are few pumpkins in my baking past. None actually. As to why, I'm not exactly sure, but it most likely has something to do with my childhood aversion to pumpkin pie. To me, it was that strange orange dessert I was offered only once a year during the Fall season. Or Autumn season. Whichever you prefer. The pumpkin pie offering was one I so rarely accepted, as it was usually served beside a safe and familiar apple pie. 
        I'm sure if I had agreed to try it more times than I did, I'd have taken a liking a lot sooner. No worries, pumpkin pie lovers--over the years I grew to like all things pumpkin quite a lot. Now, for the first time in my life, I ventured into the world of baking with pumpkin.

Pumpkin Brown Butter Cupcakes