STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As pumpkins ripen on their vines on the East Coast, some food businesses have embraced the gourd-centric excitement. Fragrant drinks and indulgent desserts are so close we can practically taste them. Here is what’s in the pumpkin-’n’-spice department right now through September.

Aunt Butchie’s of Brooklyn

Chef and proprietor Pete Marcolini loves his autumnal specials. Starting in September, he rolls out cannoli filled with pumpkin-mascarpone cheese and ravioli plumped with pumpkins. From October through Thanksgiving he serves up a decadent soup of sweet potato, pumpkin, butternuts, brandy, nutmeg, honey and Mascarpone cheese.

Aunt Butchie’s can be found at 4864 Arthur Kill Rd., 718-227-0002; AuntbutchiesofBrooklyn.com

Better Health Gourmet

Aside from its mood-se

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