Today's recipe idea comes from Jamie Davidson , a weight management coach in the San Francisco bay area.  Jamie has long taught cooking classes using Costco and Trader Joe's products, and her classes are very popular.  We were exchanging emails about Halloween plans and she mentioned making pumpkin hummus and serving with homemade chips using tortillas cut with Halloween cookie cutters, and I just knew I had to try it!  Thanks for the idea, Jamie - the kids and I had a lot of fun with it!

For the chips, use any tortillas you have on hand.  I like the olive oil wheat wraps at TJ's.  Jamie used corn and wheat tortillas and suggests that orange-colored tortillas (sundried tomato or other flavor, available at other grocers) might also be a fun option.  Simply cut tortillas into fun shapes, spray with oil, sprinkle with your favorite seasonings (we like 21 Seasoning Salute), and bake for 7-10 minutes until edges are golden.  Chips will harden as they cool.

Below is a pumpkin hummus recipe I played around with.  I tend to like garlic and spice, but if you prefer subtler flavors, you can cut down on the garlic, cinnamon, and cumin.  If the idea of making homemade hummus makes you run the other way, just grab a container of pre-made hummus at Trader Joe's and mix with half a can of pumpkin puree, adding seasonings such as cinnamon, cumin, and salt to taste.

To use up the rest of the can of pumpkin puree, try our Pumpkin Oatmeal or No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake.

Finally, click here for Halloween recipe ideas from previous years, including Mashed Boo -Tatoes, Cobweb Guacamole, Halloween cupcakes , Halloweenie Mummies, Spooky Fingers, and Poofy Pumpkin Puffs .
     

Wishing everyone a safe and fun Halloween weekend!

Pumpkin Hummus

1 15 oz can garbanzo beans, drained
1/2 can pumpkin puree (about 3/4 cup)
1 tsp crushed garlic (1 clove or 1 cube frozen garlic)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
 2 Tbsp sesame tahini paste (in refrigerated section next to premade hummus)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon

1.  Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and puree until hummus is smooth.  If mixture is too thick, add water, one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
2. Taste and adjust for seasonings.
3. For best flavor, store in fridge for a few hours before serving.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 8