Pumpkin & Fruit Dip

Overview

Pumpkin and fruit dip is delicious any time of the year and is appropriate for any number of occasions. Particularly in the fall during feasting season when rich foods are the norm, a healthy and delicious treat is an intelligent choice for meals or entertaining. Pumpkin and fruit dip is prepared very quickly with readily available ingredients. It is also versatile and can be utilized in any number of ways, such as a topping for desserts making them more appealing and satisfying.

Step 1

Set the wrapped cream cheese on the kitchen counter at room temperature until softened.

Step 2

Place the softened cream cheese into a medium sized mixing bowl. Add the brown sugar, and use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the two ingredients until blended.

Step 3

Combine the remaining ingredients--canned pumpkin, maple syrup, cinnamon and lemon juice--with the brown sugar and cream cheese and chill the mixture.

Step 4

Slice apples, pears or other winter fruit with a paring knife to use as a healthy alternative to cookies or crackers. The pumpkin and fruit dip recipe serves 6 to 8 guests. Cut up at least three medium size apples and three pears into 1/2-inch wedges, yielding approximately 30 slices of each item or at least seven pieces of fruit per person. Submerge the fruit for five minutes into a solution of 16 ounces of water and 16 ounces of bottled lemon juice to give it a tangy flavor and prevent it from turning brown.

Step 5

Place the chilled pumpkin and fruit dip in the center of a platter and arrange the sliced fruit attractively around it. Provide frilled toothpicks to handle the fruit.