Pumpkin spice reigns as Thanksgiving's nostalgic favorite

In a celebration of culinary nostalgia, McCormick and Company marked the 90th anniversary of pumpkin pie spice at Baltimore's Spice Haven, showcasing a menu that revolved entirely around the beloved flavor. The event featured a variety of pumpkin spice-infused treats, including popcorn and apple cider, highlighting the spice's versatility beyond traditional pies.

Chef Hadar Cohen Aviram emphasized the blend's purpose: to simplify pie-making while enhancing the flavors of various dishes. He encouraged attendees to experiment with pumpkin spice in unexpected ways, such as using it to infuse butter for crostini or cheesecake.

The nostalgic allure of pumpkin spice was a central theme, resonating with many Americans during a time when memories of past Thanksgivings are particularly poignant. Maryland food historian Joyce White noted that pumpkin has deep historical roots in American cuisine, dating back to the early settlers who relied on it for sustenance. However, pumpkin pie was once considered \"Yankee food\" and not widely embraced in the South until after the Civil War, when Thanksgiving was established as a national holiday.

The popularity of pumpkin spice has surged in recent years, particularly with the introduction of Starbucks' pumpkin spice latte (PSL) two decades ago, which has since become a seasonal staple. Local coffee shop owner Travis Bell described his own take on the PSL as a blend of basic and upscale flavors, reflecting the broader cultural embrace of pumpkin spice in contemporary society.

As the holiday season approaches, the enduring appeal of pumpkin spice continues to evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia, connecting generations through shared culinary traditions.