In a pumpkin state of mind...

I continue to have fall in my mind, even as the black flag outside persists to remind me that it is, in fact, 90 degrees outside and 100% humidity. In my house, however, there is nice cool air, the smell of cinnamon scented candles, and pumpkin spice latte simmering away on my stove top. Ah..the power of suggestion...It seems odd to me, having grown up in a one season island, that I would come to like and miss the seasons so. I'm sure in a few months, I'll be nostalgic about summer but for now, I'll stick to the imaginary yellow, red, and orange falling leaves that are dancing about in my head.
Last year, we ran out of the canned pumpkins at our grocery stores. To be honest, every year, we run out of it come thanksgiving time. My cousin was sweet enough to mail me canned pumpkin from Canada. I use it for many things but especially, to make my favorite and non-existent (in Okinawa), pumpkin spice latte. Of course, I had some left, so I shared the pumpkin treat with my little one and I'm happy to report, he loved it! I should clarify, I shared the pumpkin not the latte.


Oatmeal with Pumpkin and Raisins
Here is what I did:
I used equaled parts oatmeal and pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling). You may certainly make your own puree, unfortunately, there is no pumpkin at our grocery stores yet and they tend to be very expensive when they do bring it. 
Mix with water, breastmilk or formula.
Place raisins in a food processor or blender and process until they are in a puree (it will turn out rather chunky). Add to cereal and pumpkin mixture.
Add 1/8 of a tsp. of pumpkin spice. 
*For an adult version, add the pumpkin puree to your oatmeal, add whole raisins,walnuts or pecans, pumpkin spice and brown sugar! Enjoy!