Foodies Beware

Since it's so close to Thanksgiving I thought I'd spread some deliciousness your way! I'll be sending you some foodie love the rest of this week to help you prepare for some wonderful family time.  Get hungry!!

Pumpkin Dip

This just sounds so good I couldn't resist...Here's what you need: 

One 15oz can of pumpkin

One 5oz instant vanilla pudding

6oz cool whip (low fat)

1/2 tbsp Pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tbsp cinnamon

All you do is mix together the pumpkin, pudding, cool whip and pumpkin spice into a large bowl and chill for several hours. Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy! Simple right?

Pumpkin Pie Push Pops

These are incredibly easy to make! Literally all you need is your fave pumpkin pie filling, you'll cook a pie crust separately, and some whip cream.  Crumble up pieces of the crust and layer the push pop with crust, then filling, crust, filling, top off with whip cream and enjoy! Also, keep in fridge until ready to eat to keep it cold and fresh. Delicious!

Pumpkin Hot Cocoa

Do I need to say more?! Perfect for cold weather and chillin with the fam. Here's what you need!

1-1/2 cup of milk (whole works best but up to you)

1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree, 1 cinnamon stick

6 whole cloves, slightly crushed

1 tbsp chopped candied ginger

Zest from 1/2 orange,1 vanilla bean

2 ounces semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate

pinch of sea salt

2 tbsp brown sugar (more or less to taste)

Now this isn't your ordinary hot cocoa and it does call for some planning. Definitely a keeper for family get together's! First you will bring the milk to a simmer over medium low-heat, then add the pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, orange zest, and vanilla bean to flavor. DO NOT let milk boil! Remove from heat and cover to let flavors infuse into the milk. Anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight, but if left out longer than an hour be sure to place in the fridge.
When your'e ready to serve strain the milk into a new saucepan, discarding the solids, and bring to a low simmer once again. From here you remove from heat and add the chocolate and pinch of salt and stir till dissolved. Add the brown sugar based on your liking and don't forget the toppings! Put some whipped cream, marshmallows, cinnamon or even more chocolate to give more goodness to it. Yummmmm!

Pumpkin Hummus

Since half of my family is originally from Lebanon (not blood related but part of the fam since I was born) I had to throw in this delicious looking pumpkin hummus recipe! My Aunt always makes hummus, pita bread and tabbouleh from scratch every year.  This will definitely add some spice to the family dinner table this year!

Here's what you need: 

1/2 - 1 chopped red chili pepper, 1/2 kg pumpkin, lemon juice,

4 tablespoons tahini, 2 tablespoons cumin seeds, 

3-4 garlic cloves and salt and pepper to season.

Serves 4-6

First you take the pumpkin, cut into cubes and saute with olive oil in a pan. Season with salt and crushed garlic and cook until tender. Let the pumpkin cool slightly then using a food processor or blender puree the pumpkin with the remaining ingredients. Bon apetit! Obviously there is room for interpretation with this one depending on how you want it to be seasoned.

My favorite part about the holidays is literally the food! I'm such a foodie at heart, I'd cook every meal of every day if I could! With holidays being my specialty I will have to try some of these out and give you guys all the deets.  Keep it Golden and Happy Holidays!!!!

All photos and recipes via pinterest.com