Finding the Flavor of Pumpkin Around Newtown

Halloween blew by in a blizzard of snow, which meant the pumpkin really didn't have its day this year.

But a few places around town are keeping the flavor of the fall season alive, bringing out their pumpkin recipes especially for the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

has a couple of choices, including pumpkin pancakes served with warm walnut syrup as well as a monster pancake called "One's Enough" – and it is more than enough. This bad boy is a platter-size pumpkin pancake with granola, blueberries and apples baked right into it.

"I have a young couple that comes in two to three times a week and shares the One's Enough," said Debbie Nehez, a manager at King's. "It's popular but most people can't finish it."

On the lighter side, has pumpkin muffins. , who baked at the now-closed Blue Z, takes over the kitchen during the week for the coffee shop.

"The pumpkin muffin is very popular," Rotante said.

Demitasse also serves up pumpkin spice lattes and other treats, such as pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting.

The pumpkin trail continues at . Owner Tony Posca recommends the ample pumpkin muffins, which have a dollop of cream cheese in the center. The bakery also serves up pumpkin doughtnuts and pumpkin cheesecake.

One of the more unusual snacks at Andrea's is the canolli nacho chips. This take on nachos includes canolli "chips" surrounding a freshly mixed ricotta dip, which can be made with pumpkin for holiday parties.

On the savory side, only stocks pumpkin ravioli at this time of year. The popular pasta is sold in the shop's freezer section and is extremely popular with customers. Although owner Steven Eskierski says the butternut ravioli, which is available all year, tastes similar.

SuperSeedz are a unique way to get your pumpkin fix. These pumpkin seeds are created by former Newtown resident Kathie Pelliccio. What started as a healthy snack for her children turned into a business in 2003.

"I brought my seeds to parties, and people said I should sell them," said Pelliccio.

SuperSeedz now come in serveral flavors, including Sea Salt, Somewhat Spicey, Curry and Cinnamon Sugar, and the seeds are available at .

And for the die-hard pumpkin fan, head to the liquor store to try Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale. This beer's unmistakably pumpkin spice flavor is interesting but not for everyone, including my household.

Savor the taste of pumpkin while you can because after the Christmas season, most of these treats will disappear.

If you're looking to create some pumpkin dishes in your own kitchen, try these recipes:

• Ooey Gooey Caramel Pumpkin Blondies (see photo)
• Pumpkin Waffles
• Pumpkin Soup
• Roasted Pumpkin and Feta Risotto

Editor's note: An earlier version of this article cited The Meat House as a source of pumpkin products, however the butcher shop has since closed.