Creamy Butternut Squash Dip and "Homemade" Spelt Tortilla Chips

So sorry for such a long gap between posts! Life has been just a tad busy this week. Working with 19 five year olds each and every day during the Christmas season is insane. They've all lost their minds. That is all I am going to say. 

I'm sure many of you are gearing up for all sorts of holiday parties within the next couple of weeks...I know I am. Here's the thing: while these parties are all kinds of fun, they are usually loaded with tons of not so good for you foods. I am definitely all for indulging and enjoying all those yummy treats. However, I always make it my goal to enjoy these foods in moderation. I usually try to pick one fairly healthy item and one treat in order to keep things balanced. That way, I don't feel like I missed out on the goods but at the same time, didn't go overboard. It is all about the balance!

A great way to healthify any holiday party is to include this Butternut Squash Dip. It's creamy, light, and loaded with vitamin A. Hooray for vitamins. 

Creamy Butternut Squash Dip

adapted from Natural Awakenings Magazine

Ingredients

• 3 packages thawed (frozen) butternut squash or 1 whole butternut squash (frozen is easier!)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• pinch of salt, pepper, ginger, thyme, and rosemary (amount is up to you...I honestly used just a couple pinches of each).

Directions

1. If using whole squash...peel, remove seeds, and cut into 1 inch cubes (if using frozen, this is already done for you!)
2. Place cubes into a medium sized sauce pan and pour enough water in so that the squash is completely covered. 
3. Bring water to a boil, then reduce to simmer and cover. Let simmer for about 9 minutes or until squash is tender.
4. Remove squash from heat, drain water, and then place into food processor. Add olive oil, maple syrup, and all spices. 
5. Let the processor do its thing for about 20 seconds. Blend until smooth.

I served mine with "homemade" spelt tortilla chips.

This is definitely nothing fancy. Simply get 4 tortillas, slice into eighths with a pizza cutter, spray with olive oil, and sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper. Bake in a 350 oven for 5 min. Ta da! 

Enjoy your evening. I'm off to relax and take advantage of the silence that is my house. Come 7:50 am, I will once again be surrounded with a lot of little people who are very, very loud. God bless them.