CHEESY PUMPKIN DIP

Any busy mom / dad, student,  employee, employer [or you fill in the blank] knows that a simple snack is key to get through the day. I am constantly finding myself looking for something to "just get me through until dinner". This is how many people find themselves in the prepackaged trap. Those boxes sit on the shelves so neatly, beckoning you with their easy open bag. What they aren't telling you is that, no matter what the catchy marketing promises, what's inside is over-processed, void of nutrients, enzyme-lacking food fillers. These so called "snacks" are unfitting stand-ins for the the nutrient dense foods your body is yelling for. They may fill your stomach but they won't fit the bill when it comes to vitamins, minerals, and the rest of their energy-boosting friends.

So what's a girl to do? The trick is: look ahead, cook ahead, and make a lot. Fill your counters, refrigerator, and freezer with easy to grab treats and you won't be tempted by Mr. Kraft and Lil' Miss Debbie [and all of their fellow thugs, masquerading as friends]. Fruits are an easy, no fuss snack. Veggies are as well, especially if you peel and slice in advance [store celery and carrot sticks in water to maintain crispness for much longer].

This recipe takes a little planning and prep [for the cashews and crackers if homemade, which I highly recommend] but once it's put together it will last 3 - 4 days [longer if frozen].

2 heaping tbsp. of pumpkin puree
3/4 c. cashews*
1/4 tsp. turmeric
1/8 tsp. each granulated onion and garlic
1/4 tsp. Real Salt sea salt
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning [more to taste]

*The cashews need to be soaked prior to making this recipe. Soak over night [1 cup of cashews, 2 cups of water] in refrigerator or cover cashews with boiling water and soak for 15 minutes. To get double the return for your effort, make a nut milk [go here for great instructions], reserving the nut meat for this recipe.

Place cashews in food processor. Process on high until smooth and creamy, adding a little water if necessary. Add remaining ingredients to the cashew cream and process on high until smooth and creamy.

Serve with crackers of choice or make these from scratch!