Pumpkin-Hard Cider Cheese Dip

Pumpkin-Hard Cider Cheese Dip

Ingredients:

• 2 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 12 oz. bottle hard cider
• ½ cup canned pumpkin
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• Pinch ground cayenne
• 4 oz. cream cheese, cut into pieces
• 3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• For serving sliced apples or French rounds, entertainer crackers, organic tortilla chips

Directions:

1. Cook bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and garlic; cook, stirring, until incorporated, about 2 minutes.
3. Whisk in the cider, pumpkin puree, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, the pie spice and cayenne until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 3 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in the cream cheese and cheddar until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes.
5. Transfer the dip to a bowl; top with the bacon and chives.