Available at: Trader Joe’s
Cost: My supercool friend Maria sent them to me in a care package.

Notes: Friends, it is painful to me knowing that Trader Joe’s is apparently awash in a tidal wave of pumpkin spice this time of year. The nearest TJ’s is a five hour round trip from my house, and although I have been tempted to make the trek to stock up, my pragmatic side has won out. (So far.)

So, imagine my delight when Maria mailed me a box of pumpkin pancake mix AND a bottle of Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup for my testing and enjoyment.

The pancakes are outstanding. They cooked up light and fluffy and have a perfect pumpkin flavor. I happen to love gluten, but I’m cool with them being gluten free.

But the syrup. Ohhhh, so good. I am torn between wanting to drink it directly from the bottle and wanting to hoard it like the liquid gold that it is.

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