Every autumn, I get on a pumpkin kick that's hard to quit. My latest recipe for healthy Gingersnap Pumpkin Mousse calls for canned pure pumpkin puree, low-fat cottage cheese (my secret weapon for lusciousness), a drizzle of maple syrup, a frozen banana for natural sweetness, and pumpkin pie spice. We decorate the top with a sprinkle of crushed gingersnap cookies, hemp seeds, and roasted pumpkin seeds. The seeds add a nice crunch to the creamy mousse.
Place the cottage cheese in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth, 30 to 60 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Add the banana, pumpkin, maple syrup, and cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice) and continue to process until combined.
Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Continue to process until smooth and creamy, 30 seconds to 1 more minute. The mixture should resemble mousse or pudding.
Meanwhile, for the optional topping, place crushed gingersnaps, hemp seeds, and pumpkin seeds in a small bowl and stir to combine.
Scoop the mousse into 4 bowls (each scoop will be about ½ cup) and sprinkle evenly with the topping, as desired