
Pumpkin Carving Menu: Lite Bites
Carve your pumpkins & eat them too
So fall, so festive
MENU
Classic Caramel Corn // V, DF + GF with substitutions
Pumpkin Hummus // V, DF, VG
Classic Caramel Corn
- Serve cooled in a large serving bowl with cups to scoop.
INGREDIENTS FOR 8 (4 qt) SERVINGS
- Mazola Pure® Cooking Spray
- 4 quarts popped popcorn
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup Karo® Light OR Dark Corn Syrup
- ½ cup butter OR margarine
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Spice Islands® Pure Vanilla Extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Spray a large shallow roasting pan with cooking spray, then fill with popcorn.
- Place in the preheated oven while preparing caramel.
- Mix brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt together in a heavy 2-quart saucepan over medium heat; stir constantly until mixture comes to a boil.
- Stop stirring, and boil mixture for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla until well combined.
- Pour syrup over warmed popcorn and stir until evenly coated.
- Return to the oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the oven and spread onto a large foil sheet greased with cooking spray.
- Cool, then break apart and store in a tightly covered container.
Pumpkin Hummus
- Serve on a plate with crackers and vegetables.
INGREDIENTS FOR 12 SERVINGS
- 2 can drained chickpeas (garbanzo beans), canned
- 15 ounce pumpkin, canned
- 2 tablespoon Tahini
- 2 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin, ground
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Add more olive oil if needed to thin it out.
- Spread onto a circle or oval plate.
- To make it look like a pumpkin, 'draw' ridges with a knife to look like a pumpkin. Add a green stem using snap peas, cucumbers, lettuce or any other green veggie.
Let the carving and snacking commence.
More articles

The Low-Stress Guide to Planning a Summer Brunch Gathering
Discover how to plan a relaxed summer brunch gathering with simple make-ahead recipes, effortless styling, and easy entertaining tips that help you spend less time hosting and more time enjoying your guests.

Summer Gathering Trends: 10 Ideas Making Hosting Feel More Personal This Season
Explore the biggest summer gathering trends, from smaller dinner parties and backyard pizza nights to aperitivo hours, better lighting, curated playlists, and repeatable hosting rituals.

Ask Partytrick: "How Long Should a Party Last?"
The truth is, most guests aren’t watching the clock; they are simply responding to the comfortable atmosphere you create. The best gatherings have a natural, organic rhythm that leaves people feeling satisfied rather than constantly checking the time.

Sign up for expert tips, exclusive content, and the 411 on the latest parties—all straight to your inbox.
Your shortcut to stress-free hosting
Spend less time coordinating and more time actually connecting.