Party Pumpkin Dip

Can you believe it is already December? Most of us spend the last month of the year in a constant state of panic trying to plan how we are going to make the holidays special and memorable. In fact, we usually work so hard creating the awesome that we miss out on being part of it. Over the years, I have picked up a few tricks to help streamline my holiday planning. There are simple recipes and decorating ideas that I keep with all my holiday paraphernalia and they save me lots of stress time. I will be posting these “tips to simplify your holiday”, because there are too many other things in life that just can’t be simplified.

How many different parties do you get invited to that you need to bring some sort of finger food? Don’t order cookies or cupcakes from some random bakery when you can do something simple yourself and surprise your coworkers, friends, and family. I have recipes for two different pumpkin dips that are regular requests at my end of year potlucks and holiday get-togethers. Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip is decadent and great for the true pumpkin connoisseur. Pumpkin Fluff Dip is a creamier version and great for those with a less mature palate.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip

You can make both of these dips in about 30 minutes and be able to please everyone in the crowd. Let’s start with the ingredients for the Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip:

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

In a stand mixer, or using a hand mixer, blend the cream cheese and powdered sugar until it is the consistency of buttercream frosting. Gradually add the pumpkin, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until well blended. Pour into an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Pumpkin Fluff Dip

The name for this is fitting. It is like a light and fluffy cloud of mild pumpkin yumminess. All you need for this recipe is:

• 1 (16 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

• 1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix

• 1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

All you have to do is put everything in a bowl and mix until blended. This is tasty as soon as it is mixed, but if you seal it into an airtight container and chill for an hour, it almost becomes a creamy pumpkin pudding.

Tips:

• If you are planning on making both dips, just get the 30 ounce can of pumpkin and divide it between the two recipes. It will save you a little money, and that is always a bonus

• Try to make these the day before your event and let them chill overnight. (It is going to be a challenge to stay out of them, but be strong…..)

• Another way to save a few pennies is to make your own pumpkin pie spice. You can look up recipes for it on the internet. It usually consists of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. These are things most people will have in their spice cabinet.

Serving

I have found the Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip works well with gingersnaps and the Pumpkin Fluff Dip goes well with cinnamon graham crackers. Experimenting is always fun, so try using sugar cookies, vanilla wafers, or maybe even gingerbread men to make this your own dish.

#simplyeat #soulfood #comfortfood #partyfood #pumpkinspice