Nutty Bites: Hummus

Hummus makes the perfect dip!

If I were Webster, I would have created the word hummus to mean: the one who hums.  But, since I am not Webster, I will refrain.  Instead, I will jump on the hummus bandwagon and eat it.  Have you tried it yet?



Hummus, in my humbly option (see what I did there?), can either be extremely tasty or blah!  The secret is in the flavor or brand.  I have not made my own yet so I am a brand snob.  However, there are plenty of great recipes out there.  The brands & flavors that are my favorite are Pita Pal Original & Hope Hummus Spicy Avocado (pictured above). Yum!

 

It is also nutritious.  Garbanzo beans are a great source of fiber and folic acid.  Beans, in general, can help lower cholesterol too.  I have nothing bad to say about the other typical ingredients either, which include olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and tahini.  Tahini is sesame seed butter and adds some protein, fiber, calcium, and monounsaturated fat.

 

What I love about hummus is that it is so versatile.  If you are new to hummus, use it as a dip for your veggies, toasted pita, or pretzels.  Or even try it as a condiment on your sandwich, burger, or wrap.  A friend of mine even mixes it with salsa to create a spicier dip.  WebMD mentioned blending hummus with broth, water, or wine until you get your desired drizzling consistency for dressing on cold pasta salads.  Lots of options!

 

Want a tasty recipe to make on your own?  Check this out from Bobby Flay on the Food Network website http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/spicy-hummus-with-grilled-pita-recipe/index.html 

 

What is your favorite thing to eat with hummus?

 

Eat well,

Bri

 

 

 

Nutty Bites: Avocado

Avocados can help you stay slim & sexy!

Try saying avocado slowly in the mirror with a sultry look on your face.  Sexy, isn’t it?  Yes, I am going there.  Everything about an avocado is sexy.  It is a fruit, but some people mysteriously forget.  It is chock full of healthy, good-for-you fat that can actually help you lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation in your body.  It has nearly 20 vitamins and minerals.  It is versatile and can be eaten at any meal of the day: think sliced in a breakfast sandwich, turkey sandwich, or atop a salad.  Or drum roll please… it can be made into a delicious dip as guacamole. Who doesn’t love guacamole?  And this probably goes without saying, but guacamole does not have to be eaten with full fat chips.  It can be eaten with toasted pita, carrot sticks, celery sticks, or baked chips to help you stick with your summer goals.

Easy recipes to try:

Classic Guacamole

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado
juice from 1/2 lime
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
1 green onion, chopped
1 serrano chile, seeded and minced
1 clove garlic, minced
salt

Directions:

Halve the avocado lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, discarding the pit. Place the avocado in a small bowl and mash with a fork. Add the lime juice, cilantro, green onion, serrano chile, and garlic. Mix until well incorporated. Season to taste with salt.

Recipe from “Cooking from the Farmer’s Market”

Avocado Mango Salsa

Ingredients:

1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
½ teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
sea salt to taste

ground pepper to taste

1 mango, diced (about 1 cup)
1 avocado, diced (about 1 cup)

Directions:

In a large bowl, whisk together garlic, orange juice, lime juice, orange zest, honey and olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.  Add mango and avocado.  Toss to combine.  Serve immediately.

Recipe from “Whole Foods Market Recipes”  http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/avocado-mango-salsa

Eat well,
Bri