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Pumpkins: More than pie filling and decorations
There are a few places in Springfield that offer up the flavor of pumpkin in such a delicious way, your grandma’s Thanksgiving pie might disappoint you this year. You can get it in your coffee, with your dinner, or for your dinner (and we don’t mean dessert). Either way you like it, these places have you covered on all sides of the pumpkin spectrum.
Pumpkin spice latte, MudHouse
What it is: Steamed milk, a tall shot of MudHouse Espresso, Torani pumpkin spice syrup, real caramel, whipped cream, sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg. You can get your pumpkin pie fix early, and with far fewer calories, we’re sure.
Price: $3.33
How long offered: Through October, maybe November
Pumpkin rating: Two out of four pumpkins
Pumpkin muffins, Touch Restaurant
What it is: Basically, pumpkin bread made with real pumpkin in the form of a cute little muffin. They top them with a holiday spice streusel, and serve them with homemade maple pecan butter. These muffins are a really good snack while you are waiting on your food—the secret is to ask your server to keep them around for after dinner as well.
Price: The best part about them, they are free with your meal.
How long offered: Through Thanksgiving
Pumpkin rating: Three out of four pumpkins
Pumpkin ravioli, Gilardi’s
What it is: The filling is made from smaller pumpkins that Gilardi buys himself from Missouri farmers (he says for better flavor). This dish is definitely not your typical Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. Surprisingly, it’s not even a sweet entrée. The ravioli is served with a garlic cream sauce and topped with tiers of a balsamic vinegar reduction, which apparently brings out the flavor of the pumpkin, and served with Parmesan cheese.
Price: $16.95
How long offered: Because of high request, year round, Gilardi makes the filling and freezes it so that he can make the ravioli on request, but he wouldn’t share any secret ingredients in his filling.
Pumpkin rating: Four out of four pumpkins.
Pumpkin pie concrete, Andy’s Frozen Custard
What it is: A whole slice of homemade pumpkin pie blended with fresh vanilla custard. Yes, they actually fit an entire slice of their own homemade pie in one cup. It’s kind of amazing.
Price: Small, $3.99; medium: $4.79; Large: $5.59
How long offered: Through Thanksgiving
Pumpkin rating: Three out of four pumpkins.
