Pumpkin getting a bit seedy

              Let’s lead with your Pumpkin Update for the week. Beyond the Equator has released 5 Seed Butter varieties that are nut free. Then what is in there? I pick the crunchy and rich flavor of chia, flax, pumpkin, sunflower and hemp as my top fave.

              Unsweetened comes with a green label and creamy goes blue. All three have been fun and filling on apples, crackers, bananas and even some rice. After farming in Louisiana for years, makers went beyond the equator to Bolivia for pure soils and got into Andean superfoods. So there. These are labels to read, because you’ll be carrying your 5 Seed Butters around with you. Hope you love your pumpkin as a health food, too. More holiday finds:

              * Bailey’s Red Velvet is a natural for those who already love this flavor, so closely related to fall and perhaps childhood. Here’s your adult version in a pink pour labeled Georgetown Cupcake, limited edition. Have your cupcake and drink it to, they say, as they swirl Red Velvet into Irish Cream for your holiday hostess presentation. No calories, right? For those of you who serve French toast to your holiday guests, you’re gonna want a bottle of this for “marinade.”

              * Austin Cocktails – Grandpa Fred liked his 5 p.m. on-the-dot cocktail, and his granddaughters Jill and Kelly figure you might, too. On National Sister Day the two were inspired to create a ready-to-serve cocktail line and Austin Cocktails has blends perfect for sisters – and other relatives – to enjoy while hashing out the day or planning the next adventure. Got to give it to these women. Their New School Gin Mule with ginger, lime, spice, tonic flavor, agave and premium gin bottle of naturally-flavored goodness hit the spot. And my sister was states away when I enjoyed this convenient cocktail. Perfect Bergamot Orange Margarita, Peppered Maple Blood Orange Bourbon Cocktail, Ruby Red Cocktail and Cucumber Vodka Mojito are other flavors this Texas-based company has dreamed up through sister power.

                      Darragh Doiron is a pumpkin spice supporter, craving it baked, savory and  sweet. Bring on the season with her by contacting her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com