‘Tis the season to be a basic white girl, drink PSLs, and most importantly, to incorporate fall into everything you eat. If you’re anything like me, you take appetizers very seriously. They’re basically the first impression of a meal. So let’s dazzle the crowd and make some fall-inspired appetizers.
1. Mini Pumpkin Pie
This recipe is ridiculously easy. All you do is cut out circles from a pumpkin pie and add whipped cream. Not only are they super cute and bite-sized, but it looks like you put a lot of time into this dessert, when you didn’t. And who wouldn’t want dessert first?
You can make the pumpkin pie from scratch, or if you are lazy like me, you can just buy one from the store. To cut out the circles, you can use a shot class and press down on the pie to get the perfect mini-pie.
2. Goat Cheese, Apple, Agave Crostini
All you need is some toast, goat cheese, apples, and agave and voila! You have the most delicious combination of flavors and textures in the game. Spread the goat cheese over the crostini (basically a very well toasted piece of bread), and then add apple slices on top. Drizzle agave or honey over the cracker. The sweetness of the apples and agave are paired perfectly with the goat cheese.
3. Paprika Spinach Artichoke Dip
You’re going to need one can of artichokes (drained and cut up), one cup of mayonnaise, and one cup of parmesan cheese. Mix those three things together and place in the microwave for five minutes at medium power. Top it off with some paprika for taste and beauty.
Spinach artichoke dip is a staple for any good party. While you can be lame and buy it from the store, making it at home is so much better. The paprika adds a little bit of kick to the dip and will have everyone asking you for the recipe.
4. Pumpkin Hummus
Mix together one cup of chickpeas, two-thirds cup canned pumpkin, one-fourth cup maple syrup, two teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, two teaspoons of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt.
Pumpkin-flavored foods are the epitome of fall. This pumpkin hummus tastes like a healthy pumpkin pie, and who wouldn’t want that? The great thing about this recipe is that it is so versatile. You can put the spread on sandwiches, use it as a dip, or even just eat it with a spoon.
5. Cranberry Salsa
Blend together one cup raw cranberries, one thinly sliced jalapeño, one tablespoon lime juice, one teaspoon of honey, and salt. Take that, boring old cranberry sauce!
This recipe is perfect for the person in your life who loves Mexican food and the holidays. It is also a great way to trick kids into eating cranberry sauce. This dip would be perfect with some cinnamon pita chips.