Pumpkin Spice Madeleines

Tender, cake-like and full of autumnal spices, Donsuemor’s Pumpkin Spice Madeleines are a sweet treat hard to resist.

Yes, you might not be ready for pumpkin spice season yet. But it is upon us in full force already. So you might as well embrace it wholeheartedly. Especially when it means indulging in cookies like these.

Donsuemor has been baking French madeleines in the East Bay since 1976.

A package of six pumpkin spice ones are about $4. Find them at Raley’s, Mollie Stone’s and other retailers.

You Know You Want A Pumpkin Spice Latte

It is indeed that time already at Starbucks. The frenzy over pumpkin spice lattes has begun.

But why slog over to Starbucks, wait in line, and fork over bucks when you can get your fix by making your own pumpkin spice latte at home for a lot less money.

I tell you how in my post for Via magazine online. Not only that, I give you variations in case you want to make the drink vegan or kid-friendly. The hot chocolate version is my favorite for sure.

Find all the details on making your own right here.

13th Annual Soiree du Vin Wine Auction

Wine, dinner, and more wine — all for a good cause.

That’s what the 13th annual Soiree du Vin Wine gala is all about.

The wine auction and dinner, 5 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Fremont Hills Country Club in Los Altos, is hosted by the International School of the Peninsula.

Annual proceeds from the event benefit the school’s Charlotte de Gery Endowment Fund for its future. This year, however, the school has decided to donate 10 percent of net proceeds to the Napa Valley Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund to help in recovery efforts in the Napa community, following last year’s devastating fires.

The participating wineries are: Au Bon Climat, Clif Family Winery, Testarossa Winery, Thomas Fogarty, VGS Chateau Potelle, and Ridge Vineyards.

Tickets are $275. For more information, contact: soireeduvin@istp.org or (650) 251-8502.