Pillsbury Pumpkin Cookies

I could be wrong, but I assume Target is unable to effectively store their refrigerated items because that's all I've been able to find, so far.  First, it was the Halloween Lunchables, and now it's cookies from Pillsbury.  At this point, it's a shame that everything isn't cold and frozen because we're 50 days away from the big day and continue to be stiffed by major retailers.  Oh well, at least we have Pillsbury Pumpkin Cookies to enjoy!

As far as I know, these Pumpkin Cookies are new for 2013 and, really, it's about time.  Pumpkin flavor has taken over the season in recent years and it seems like every company is cashing in on the obsession.  There's just something about the smell and taste that screams Fall and wipes away the sweat of Summer.  It's like we're all unable to truly walk away from the beach and heat until we eat or drink something that tastes like pumpkins.  Then, and only then, is it really Fall.  With every bite, another leaf falls from a tree.

Ironically, we just hit 90 degrees here in New Jersey and the Summer is desperately clinging on to a few more days.  But I'm sorry pal, we've had a good time, but the Doughboy is here to help me acquire the taste of pumpkin and cream cheese - two flavors who are not my taste buds - and usher in change.

 

To be honest with you, these aren't something I'd be interested in aside from the package art and newness of it all, but my girlfriend wanted to try them and that was enough for a Holidaze post.  I didn't have any problems with trying the pumpkin flavor, but the "cream cheese flavored chips" gave me reservations.  If you read The Holidaze, you know how picky I am.  I hate the texture of cream cheese, but don't really mind the flavor.  I know, I'm a nut job, but I was excited to see what these had in store.  As soon as we opened the bag, I realized the shape and size were different than the Pillsbury cookies I've come to know.  They're not "doughy," they're "cakey."  That's not a bad thing, but even better was the smell.  Wow, these smell just like pumpkin pie and, instantly, it felt like Thanksgiving in September.  That may be getting ahead of ourselves, but it definitely reminds me more of November than October.

In and out of the oven they go on my charred "Freddy Krueger Cookie Sheet."  This sheet has been around forever and has obviously been burnt to a crisp, but I've never found one any better.  It always brings us the best cookies, top to bottom, and this was no exception.  I was pleasantly surprised by how well these Pillsbury Pumpkin Cookies developed.  The cream cheese chips really pop and look delicious.  And if I'm saying that, I'm either hungry or it's true.  Time to see which..

These. Are. GOOD!  I've learned something about my love-hate relationship with pumpkin and cream cheese.  For me, it all comes down to texture because, with the traditional texture of chocolate chip cookies, these Pillsbury Pumpkin Cookies have an amazing flavor.  We're in the early part of the season, but I think it's safe to say that we've found Fall's new cookie.  I gave it to the Caramel Apple Cookies last year, but we may have a new champion.  I will admit that I didn't eat many because I'm still adjusting and acquiring the taste, but I'd love to have these again throughout the season and especially on Halloween or Thanksgiving.  Now, unlike last year, I may have to give Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Cheesecake cookies a chance.  The more and more I acquire this taste, the more and more I want to try.  This could lead to problems, both physically and financially, and I blame you all for making pumpkin such a prominent fixture of the season.

If you're interested in trying these Pillsbury Pumpkin Cookies, they're available now at Target in addition the the classic sugar cookie pumpkins released by Pillsbury!  I say get 'em!

Ben & Jerry's Oatmeal Cookie Chunk

Since today marks the first official day of Summer, I figured it's only right that we talk about ice cream!  But not just any ice cream, one of my favorite ice cream flavors of all time - Oatmeal Cookie Chunk!

I don't remember the first time I had it, but I'll never forget how much I loved it.  I used to pick up a carton every time I went to Stop & Shop and, for the most part, it was gone in less than a day or two.  Then I'd do it all over again the next time I was out.  There was no ice cream that I bought more or as frequently as Ben & Jerry's Oatmeal Cookie Chunk.

Then, out of nowhere, it was gone.  No explanation, no goodbye, it just left.  I looked everywhere for the ice cream.  I figured it would show up somewhere.  I mean, it tasted so good, why would Ben & Jerry's discontinue it?  That just doesn't make sense.

But that's what Ben & Jerry's does.  They give us what we want, then take it away as soon as we fall in love with the product.  But guess what I found??

My girlfriend and I had just left the gym and we were thirsty.  We stopped at a Quick Check in Bayonne, NJ for gas and something to drink.  I walked over to the Snapple section because I was hoping to find some Trop-A-Rocka.  I hadn't seen that in some time and it's been one of my favorite Summer drinks for the last two years.  Unfortunately, they didn't have it, but something else caught my eye.  I look over to my right and, to my surprise, there it was!  Ben & Jerry's Oatmeal Cookie Chunk!  I couldn't believe it!

I can't remember the last time I found this edition of Ben & Jerry's.  I read that it was discontinued in January 2012, but I think it was even earlier than that.  It's been years and I assumed it was gone for good.  I assumed the sales weren't as high as I thought they'd be for such an incredible batch, but I guess I was wrong.  For whatever reason, this came and went, but it's back again and I couldn't be happier over ice cream.

The packaging is different than it was the last time this was stocked in the refrigerated aisle, but it's the same flavor!  Sweet Cream Cinnamon Ice Cream, Chunks of Oatmeal Cookies, and Fudge!  It's amazing!  It's sad how happy I got when I found it.  I quickly grabbed it and walked over to my girlfriend who was getting coffee.  I held it up, showed her the carton and simply said "Ohhh yeaaaahh."  Her face dropped.  It could have been because she knows how much I love it, or because she realized how much of a geek I am.  Either way, she was just as shocked as I am.  Great find!

Ahh just look at that!  It's so damn good!  I'll admit, it can be a bit overwhelming after you've almost eaten a full carton of Oatmeal Cookie Chunk, but it's so worth it.  It's ironic how I talk about going to the gym and eating ice cream in the same post, but I justify by telling you I get protein from the dairy.  If you believe it, that's what I'm going with.  If not, I'm out of excuses.  I'm a glutton for Ben & Jerry's Oatmeal Cookie Chunk and there's no hiding it.  Our love is real and even though we've been separated for a while, we're back together now and it couldn't be any sweeter!

If you've never tried this flavor or if you've been missing it as much as I have, then you need to find out where you can find this, right now!  I don't know if it's limited or if it's back on a mass scale, but I do know that it's out there!  Who knows how long this will last?  It could be days, it could be years, I couldn't say.  But get out there and find it before you're regretting it.  Trust me, it's good!  I don't care where you're from, you won't regret driving to Bayonne, NJ for it.