Have you looked for canned pumpkin lately?

A couple of weeks ago I needed some canned pumpkin for a cake called snacking chocolate chip pumpkin cake.  It sounded over the top.  I had to have it.

I zipped over to Hannaford. Its stock was gone.  The manager said, “We put out an entire box-load this morning and it went almost immediately.”

Two cans of pumpkin puree,, which I’ll probably not use in pies since I prefer freshly made.  I found these at Whole Foods and Market Basket

It was the same deal at Shaw’s on Congress.

I thought this is why we need a store like  Market Basket and was glad that we do.  Because in these times of mass shortages they manage to keep their shelves stocked with everything you need.   I made the same beeline to the baking aisle where canned pumpkin and other canned fruits are on display.

The shelves were empty.

A clerk had just pulled in to replenish the canned pumpkin pile.

“What’s with the run on canned pumpkin?, I asked.  The clerk said it’s an absolute craze.  Everyone wants pumpkin,” he said  with unabashed incredulity, as though bringing back synchronized swimming?

So canned pumpkin is the new toilet paper. OMG what the world has come to?

Here are the most absurd uses of pumpkin in food and household products:

Pumpkin deodorant, makes you smell like a pumpkin patch?

Pumpkin biscotti at Trader Joe’s

Pumpkin flavored and coated pretzels

Hand soap

Cleaning spray

Pumpkin flesh gloves, extra warm

Pumpkin derived birth control

Pumpkin face cream

Pumpkin scented dog shampoo, safe with flea baths

Pumpkin spice beard oil

Pumpkin personal hygiene spray for private parts (no kidding)

Pumpkin bagels with pumpkin schmear