Pumpkin Dip Recipe: Healthy Snack for Kids
Plymouth Rock, MA, the site of the pilgrims' first arrival.
History of Pumpkins
Pumpkins are thought to have originated in North America in Mexico. They have a strong tradition in American history with the first Thanksgiving with the Native Americans and Pilgrims. In fact, it is believed that the first pumpkin pie was shared at this now famous feast.
Pumpkins are grown all over the world today. We often associate pumpkins with fall since that is when they are harvested. From the carving of pumpkins during Halloween, to the wonderful pumpkin recipes that are shared during the Thanksgiving holiday, this squash is one that is loved by many.
However, with the readily available canned pumpkin, it is not necessary to wait until the fall to enjoy this delicious and healthy gourd. In fact, we made this wonderfully refreshing dip to enjoy on a summer afternoon.
Health Benefits of Pumpkins
Pumpkins have a brilliant orange color. They are high in beta carotene, vitamin A, and potassium. They are 90% water and have zero cholesterol. This makes pumpkins great for fighting some types of cancer as well as a heart healthy treat!
Traditional Pumpkin Dip
Most pumpkin dips are made with cream cheese. Although this is a very tasty way to enjoy the dip, it is not necessarily the most healthy. This healthier version of pumpkin dip is very tasty and gives you a surprisingly refreshing flavor from the orange juice concentrate.
How would you rate this pumpkin dip recipe?
Cook Time
Nutritional Facts for Pumpkin Dip
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving size: 3 oz. | |
| Calories | 60 |
| Calories from Fat | 9 |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Fat 1 g | 2% |
| Carbohydrates 12 g | 4% |
| Fiber 1 g | 4% |
| Protein 1 g | 2% |
| * The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. | |
Ingredients for Pumpkin Dip
- 3 Tablespoons canned pumpkin
- 1/4 cup Vanilla Yogurt, (I used Greek style yogurt.)
- 1/4 Tablespoon Frozen Orange Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 box Low-fat graham crackers (I used graham cracker sticks.)
Directions for Kid Friendly Pumpkin Dip
- Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Pour a small amount of the dip into a little cup for individual kids or serve in a small dish for a party.
- Serve dip with graham crackers or sliced apples to dip.
Photo Guide to Making Pumpkin Dip
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Fun Pumpkin Facts
Did you know...
- pumpkins were once thought to 'cure' people of freckles?
- in addition to the flesh of a pumpkin, the seeds and flowers are also edible.
- the largest pumpkin ever grown weighed 1,140 pounds.
- pumpkins are a great source of fiber.
- pumpkins come in many colors other than orange, even pink!
- pumpkins are really a fruit!
- that the pilgrims sometimes made pumpkin beer?
- pumpkins were an important food source for both the Native Americans and pilgrims.
- pumpkins were used in the pie crust, not the filling by the pilgrims.
- the first pumpkin pie was cooked by pilgrims in the pumpkin shell, not in a pie crust.
Pumpkin Books
While enjoying this delicious pumpkin dip, why not read a story or two about pumpkins?
From Seed to Pumpkin is a wonderful story that explains the life cycle of a pumpkin. It is a great way to teach your child about how the foods we eat do not just show up on the shelves of a grocery store.
It's Pumpkin Time helps children to feel the excitement of growing and harvesting your own pumpkins. It might even inspire them to want to find a place to plant their own pumpkin vines.
