A Perfect Fall Appetizer

I speak and write so much about seasonal living. When we embrace the seasons, it helps us to live in the moment, capture the present. Seasonal living means embracing and celebrating all the unique activities, flavors, foods, fragrances, and visuals that each season brings. It creates a subtle awareness to enjoy all of this each day, as it will be another nine months before this season returns.

Curried Pumpkin Hummus is one of my favorite seasonal fall appetizers. It is a delightful combination of spices that have a little heat, yet a lot of flavor. Culinary Tip: Spice Islands Curry is regarded as the best overall curry powder flavor, concurred amongst my culinary friends. Keep canned pumpkin stocked in your fall pantry, and you can whip up this appetizer in no time. Easy to make ahead of time and always a crowd pleaser. I originally saw it in Victoria Magazine, October 2013 issue.

Curried Pumpkin Hummus

Lovingly Adapted from Victoria Magazine

Makes 10 servings.

Ingredients:

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin

3 Tbsp. tahini

2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1 clove garlic peeled

2 tsp. olive oil

1 tsp. curry

1 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Garnish: pepitas (pumpkin seeds), paprika, olive oil and fresh thyme

Directions:

In the work bowl of a food processor, combine pumpkin, tahini, lemon juice, garlice, and olive oil. Pulse until smooth. Add curry, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper; pulse to combine.

Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Garnish with pepitas, paprika, olive oil, and thyme if desired. Serve immediately with toasted naan (an East Indian flat bread) or pita chips, or refrigerate, in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

What is your favorite aspect of the fall season? What are your favorite fall recipes? If you make this recipe, be sure and tag #bonniejomanion.