The Autumn of Pumpkin

So, fall has arrived here in Florida. Sure, most days are still reaching the mid 80's and are humid and the sun scorches down on you even if you are outside for a brief moment, but I am thinking glass half full here...

In celebration of the early morning crispiness and of being able to actually turn off the a/c on occasion, I would like to declare this The Autumn of the Pumpkin. I have decided to make something pumpkiny at least once per week until Thanksgiving. Yum! And I will try to snap a photo and share a recipe in case you'd like to join in on all of the Autumn fun.

I haven't made this yet this year, but please do let me share this recipe with you. It's one of those guaranteed to have you licking the bowl til it's all gone kind of recipes...

Pumpkin Dip

3/4 cup cream cheese (use this and not the narthesdufel kind that is less-fat...it just tastes better)

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 canned pumpkin

2 teaspoons maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1.) Place first 3 ingredients in a medium bowl and beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended.

2.) Add syrup and cinnamon and beat until smooth.

3.) Cover and chill for 30 minutes before serving.

I usually make cinnamon pita chips to go along with this, but it is also fabulous with ginger snaps or sliced apples. Enjoy! And let me know if you tried it and how you stopped yourself from eating the whole bowl if you make it. :)