I make a similar pumpkin roll, but it’s a cheaper version. I use a cream cheese frosting inside and it’s quite yummy!
My friend remembers shopping for the ingredients with his mom, and both of them being appalled at how much crystallized ginger cost back then, in the regular grocery store.
If you go to a Mexican/Latino store, you can get lots of it for cheap. He’s given me an order for this Thanksgiving, because the ethnic store is right across the street from me ;-)
-JT