If you’re looking for last minute Thanksgiving ideas, I recommend this quick and easy pumpkin dip.  It’s not one of my usual “from scratch” recipes, but it’s great in a pinch. It’s one of my favorites, and it is always a big hit.

It can be served with dessert or as a pre-dinner snack.  We usually eat Thanksgiving dinner in the evening, so I generally put out snacks and spiced cider in the afternoon for everyone to snack on. I typically serve the dip with ginger snaps and vanilla wafers.

The original recipe came from one of the first cookbooks I was ever given – The Complete Idiot’s Guide to 5-Minute Appetizers. The book is actually full of ideas for easy and quick entertaining.  On holidays, when my time and efforts are focused on preparing a big dinner, it is nice to have a few tricks up my sleeve for the snacks and appetizers!

Last Minute Pumpkin Mousse Dip

(Adapted from The Complete Idiot’s Guide to 5-Minute Appetizers)

• 1 – 3.4 ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1 cup lite whipped topping (or 1 cup whipped cream, but I actually prefer the whipped topping in this recipe)

Combine the pudding mix, milk, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and ginger in a large mixing bowl.  Beat on medium speed until well combined and slightly thickened.  Refrigerate until ready to serve (this can be made the night before).

Just before serving, fold in the whipped topping and serve with ginger snaps and vanilla wafers.