New Traditions: Adopt a Turkey and Healthy Pumpkin Dip

This is Martha, the turkey we "adopted."

The holiday season is all about traditions. Some families like pumpkin pie, some like apple and some go for pecan for Thanksgiving. 

Some host every year, and others go to a restaurant.

My family has traditions, too. We all go to my sister's, where everyone brings the same dishes each year (pie from me, stuffing and sweet potatoes from my mom, etc.). 

Traditions seem to be static, but really they are always changing a little year to year. New babies grow into grown-ups who bring new people into the family. Tastes, and in our case, allergies change what goes on the table. A new recipe lights a fire in someone's imagination. And on and on.

I've got two new considerations for additions to your Thanksgiving traditions.

This year, my family and I are going to "adopt" a turkey as part of Farm Sanctuary's Adopt a Turkey fundraiser. It's a great way for us to support the important work Farm Sanctuary does to rescue animals in need and support their animal sanctuaries. Here's a little video that explains the program.





We also will have a new snack as we get ready for our Thanksgiving. I have been seeing these pumpkin pie dips all over the internet that use Cool Whip and boxed pudding mix.

I like the idea of a pumpkin-flavored dip for apples or other fruit, or even cookies. I want to stretch the Thanksgiving flavors as long as I can, so a dip that we can munch on the week before sounds perfect for me. What doesn't sound great to me is a sugar-filled, chemical-laden dip.

I knew I could do better and still keep it simple. Here's my healthier version of a pumpkin dip using just three ingredients. You can have your Thanksgiving-flavored-treat as often as you like leading up to your feast with this easy dip.

Three Ingredient Pumpkin Dip (vegan, gluten-free, allergen-free)
Makes 1 3/4 cups

Ingredients:
1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or follow these directions for fresh)
1 6-ounce container or 3/4 cup vanilla coconut-milk yogurt (I used So Delicious.)
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Preparation:
Stir all ingredients together to combine.

I shared this recipe with Wellness Weekend.

Happy Cooking!

Kim

My new book Super Seeds, is available now! You can also find tasty recipes in Welcoming Kitchen: 200 Delicious Allergen & Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes.