Avoid showing up empty handed to your next holiday party! In just ten minutes, you can prepare a nourishing and delicious appetizer that will please the palates of party-goers without leaving the taste of guilt in their mouths. This creamy and fall-seasoned hummus is a decadent and nutritious dip that pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables, hearty crackers, or slices of fresh fruit like juicy pear.

Time:  5 minutes

Makes:  approx. 3 cups

Ingredients:

1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained with 1/4 cup liquid reserved

3/4 cup pumpkin purée

1 large garlic clove, chopped

Juice of 1 small lemon

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon ground sage

1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, depending on taste

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon sea salt

1-2 tablespoon olive oil, to taste

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds, toasted

Preparation:

1.  In a food processor, fitted with an ‘S’ blade, combine chickpeas, reserved liquid, pumpkin purée, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, sage, cayenne, cloves, cinnamon, and sea salt. Blend until smooth.

2.  With motor running, slowly add olive oil until thoroughly emulsified.

3.  Scrape into a serving dish and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds or chickpeas and a sprinkle of paprika. Serve with fresh cut vegetables, hearty crackers, or seasonal fruit like juicy pear.