September, gone in a flash, and October is about to do the same. I can’t let October slip by without a pumpkin recipe. Over the weekend we had out annual Blocktoberfest. The block party gods watched over us again, we have some pretty amazing weather considering it was the last weekend in October.
Blocktoberfest is always a fun time, and often the one time a year we even see some of the neighbors. Huge turnout, even ate into the night. Always a fun time with three consistent components year after year, awesome neighbors, great food, tie dye, and a fire pit.
Apparently we are competitive bunch, we had our annual chili competition, and added in pumpkin carving and pumpkin dessert contests. As the ballot counter, I voted for less voting next year. For my dessert entry I made my salted caramel bars, I mixed some pumpkin purée into the caramel sauce. Not award-winning, but tasty. I did pick up a prize for my pumpkin and my husband won the chili contest.
My side of the street was on the hook for appetizers. I knew I wanted to make one with pumpkin, and I wanted to serve something warm. I was skeptical throwing these ingredients together, luckily it turned out delicious. Turned out to my favorite of the day, hot pumpkin cheddar dip.
- 8 oz. low-fat cream cheese (room temp)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup pumpkin purée
- 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for topping)
- 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
- 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- roasted pumpkin seeds
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Mix all ingredients, except pumpkin seeds, until well combined.
- Spoon mixture into an oven safe dish.
- Bake about 25 minutes, until heat through.
- Top with pumpkin seeds and sliced green onion
- Serve with crackers and vegetables
A nice warm appetizer was perfect on a crisp cool day. And a good savory option for using pumpkin. Glad I didn’t let October pass without a great pumpkin recipe.
Having friends for dinner tomorrow and was looking for a fun fall app. Looks good. Which pumpkin is yours? Hasn’t your husband won a couple years in a row?
Highly recommend this dip. My pumpkin was the mummy, low maintenance, no carving! He has taken away a few wins. This year we expanded the content to soups, chili, and stews. He made a chorizo poblano corn chowder. Good stuff!
Added the ingredients to my list for after work. That chowder sounds awesome, do you think he would be willing to share the recipe?
But of course, http://www.sunset.com/food-wine/kitchen-assistant/fresh-summer-corn-recipes-00400000044682/page30.html
I want to live in a neighborhood like yours! What a fun idea. Your dip looks amazing. Cute pumpkins. We have yet to carve ours. We better get on it! This month went by way too quickly.
We live in a fun corner of town. We have not carved pumpkins either, just the mummy on I made and the kids painted some. Doesn’t look like it is going to happen either. Too fast indeed!
Congrats on your hubby winning the chili contest! Such a fun block – wish I lived on it. We only have six houses on our block since we live in the ‘sticks.”
I will definitely try that dip for myself – when I bring cheese back to my mouth after my cleanse! 😀
It looks like you had a perfect fall day… and that dip sounds amazing!! 🙂