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

 

 

 

Favorite sandwich?

Everyone has one.  Every significant other can mess it up or make it wrong.  Every plate in your house has probably held it.  Every taste bud has savored it. It is your "go to" when you don't want to play Master Chef.  It can fit in a brown paper bag and be taken to work.  It never gets old.  So what is the "it" exactly?  Your favorite sandwich.

My favorite sandwich has one standard and then a few topping alternatives.  If I were a psychologist looking into this way too much, I would say this bit of info means I am comfortable with change and like to try new things.  Slowly, of course.  Too much change at once would be overwhelming.  Much like changing out my favorite sandwich completely. That would be too intense!

Time to make a sandwich!

So what is the standard? Crunchy peanut butter. What are the alternatives?  Sliced bananas, dried pears, dried apples, or raisins.  I sometimes will sprinkle cinnamon or a little agave nectar too, depending on how I feel at the moment (or really, if I think of it). 

And bread of choice?  Bread is always a tough choice.  I am extremely picky with bread, since most breads are highly over-processed and I just don't dig the over-processed stuff.  So, my choice is a brand called Ezekial.  I buy the Ezekial pita bread and toast it (I love anything crunchy!)  Ezekial brand comes in the freezer since it has no preservatives.  And, take a look at these ingredients: Organic 100% Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour, Water, Fresh Carrots, Barley Flour, Millet Flour, Lentil Flour, Spelt Flour, Soy Flour, Fresh Yeast, Sea Salt.  Wow, I can pronounce them all AND I know what they are.  Just what I like!

Now tell me.. what is your favorite sandwich?

Eat well,
Bri