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: Cashews

Disclaimer: Nutty Bites is where I talk about healthy food items with funny, "nutty" names.  I will throw them into the blog every once in awhile... got a "nutty" food item you want mentioned?  Email suggestions to me at BriTexas@gmail.com.

Of course I had to include a nut in the “Nutty Bites”... so we will start with cashews. 

Cashhhheeeeww!   If you say it slowly, it almost sounds like a sneeze.  I regret to admit that people often stay away from nuts.  This is not because they sound like sneezes or have funny names, but because they are high in fat.  BUT, I know that all of you know fat is not to be feared.  Am I right?!  The unsaturated fats are the fats to shake hands with, while the saturated and trans-fats are the ones to slap in the face.  

Want a random fact regarding cashews?  Of course you do.  Cashews are the kidney-shaped seeds that you find on the bottom of a cashew apple, the fruit from the cashew tree, which are often found in Brazil.  The nut tastes good, is full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, blood pressure lowering magnesium, and antioxidant-rich copper.  Cashews are great as a snack so pair a handful with an apple to curb the afternoon munchies!  

Eat well,
Bri