Alas, it is fall which means it is pumpkin season! For the past 3 weeks we have had 85 degree, gloriously sunny days so the thought of fall and changing leaves and turtlenecks felt far away. And, as if on cue, on the very first day of fall this past Sunday the temperature dropped 20 degrees and it rained. And the rain has not stopped in three days making it feel very, very much like fall.

So here we are, getting cozy, pulling our warm sweaters out of storage and drinking all the warm beverages. I’m excited to make stews, soups and all the baked pumpkin and apple things. What I’m also excited about? THIS PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE DIP. I had to put it in all caps because it’s really just so darn good.

You might have guessed the secret ingredient, because you know I usually do have one, that is cottage cheese. Oh yes, the ever popular creamy protein ingredient is here, Drizzlers! I love it in so many things. Smoothie bowls? Perfect. Lemony Herb Dip? Yum. And desserts? Oh heck yeah. Blended until it is light & fluffy, cottage cheese has this magical ability to feel like creamy, dreamy and like a whipped cheesecake base.

And since it’s pumpkin season let’s make it a whipped pumpkin cheesecake situation! I know the title of this is “dip” but let me tell you if you add it to a little bowl, top it with chopped apples and some granola this now becomes a nourishing and super delicious breakfast parfait. How fun!

xo, Kendra

Whipped (High Protein!!)

Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip

Gluten Free, Soy Free, Egg Free, TreeNut Free, Peanut Free, Sesame Free

Makes: 2 cups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 c. cottage cheese (Good Culture is my favorite!)
• 3/4 c. pumpkin puree
• 1/2 tsp. pumpkin spice blend
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 c. pure maple syrup
• To serve: sliced apples, gluten free graham crackers, gluten free gingersnaps

Directions

1. Add all the ingredients to a food processor.
2. Turn on and leave running for 2-3 minutes until super smooth and creamy.
3. Enjoy with sliced apples, gluten free graham crackers, gingersnaps or enjoy for breakfast with chopped apples and granola!

Happy Foods are the Best Foods!