Sunday, September 14, 2014

Pumpkin BBQ Dip for Meatballs

I'm whole-heartedly embracing Pumpkin Palooza this year! And since the only thing I've ever seen that uses a whole can is pumpkin pie, my goal is to suggest ways to use leftover pumpkin. This Pumpkin BBQ Dip for Meatballs is a great seasonal party idea! Don't hesitate to whip some up for anything from football parties to Thanksgiving appys folks, it's good stuff:@) Now, I'm not saying the first flavor that stands out will be pumpkin... BBQ sauce is pretty strong stuff, but I really liked this as a dipping sauce (it's my new favorite) and it could be used for anything from sausage to chicken nuggets.
I did make a few changes: Instead of cooking it on the stove I heated the pumpkin (covered please) in the microwave until hot, about 45 seconds in my ~uber  strong~ unit. Then I just stirred in the BBQ Sauce and hot sauce and heated it for a few more seconds. Since Sweet Baby Ray's lives up to it's first name-I didn't add any honey, but you know your crowd:@) The microwaved consistency of this is perfect for dipping, I promise you'll be happy if you try it!

Pumpkin BBQ Dip-adapted from SugarSpiceand Bacon
1/2 C pumpkin puree
1/3 C BBQ Sauce-I used Sweet Baby Ray's
Up to 1 Tblsp hot sauce, optional-but recommended
honey to taste-I didn't add any
Up to 1 C water-I didn't add any
    1. Mix pumpkin, BBQ sauce and hot sauce in skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes.
    2. Stir in a little honey.
    3. Start adding water a Tblsp at a time until you reach the consistency you desire.
    4. Taste and add more honey if needed.
    5. Or make it as I suggest above.

One last thought-While I didn't add this, I'm thinking a light dash of cinnamon might be a good thing too.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

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