Classic Hummus

Like many others, one of my New Year's resolutions for 2015 was to eat better.  I didn't want to restrict myself from good food and create outrageous resolutions that I could possible fail and then feel terrible about myself so I decided to create small resolutions.  One of my weaknesses are snacks and anything crunchy.  So, it makes sense that one of my favorite go to recipe is garlic hummus.  It's flavorful and the satisfying and I hope you guys will like it as much as I do.

For the sake of time, I used canned garbanzo beans but feel free to start from scratch. Just knowing me, if it takes too many steps I will most likely never attempt the recipe again.  Now, though I have a set recipe, feel free to add or substitute any other flavors you can imagine.  Sun dried tomatoes, turmeric, paprika, or cayenne.  The list goes on and on.

Classic Garlic Hummus

yield : 4    total time : 5 min.

• Garbanzo beans, canned    -    2 - 15.5oz ea.
• Extra vigin olive oil    -    1/2 cup
• Garlic cloves    -    2
• Salt and Pepper    -    to taste

Drain and rinse the two cans of garbanzo beans under running water.  I find the liquid the beans are packed in can taste quite salty. 

I made the the hummus in my vitamix but feel free to to use your food processor.

Add your olive oil first and then add the beans.  Add your garlic cloves and blend.  Salt and pepper to taste and serve with crackers or vegetable sticks.

Enjoy!

Apple and Butternut Squash Soup

   

 It's easy to say I've been on a soup kick ever since the weather has gotten a bit chillier.  There really is nothing like a warm bowl of soup with a crusty piece of bread to dip it in.  While making my rounds at my local market a few days ago, it was difficult to ignore the beautiful squash that were available.  

This recipe is so easy! All you honestly need is a cutting board and pot.  I hate fussing with equipment on some days and this recipe is perfect with a cold night when you don't want to be fussing in the kitchen. This soup is great for work the next day as well.  I hope you guys enjoy it!

Cauliflower Soup with Spiced Sunflower Seeds

I'm someone who can have soup for every meal of the day.  While it is satisfying, it probably isn't the best for the waistline.  Most soups contain heavy cream and that is just something I don't want to feel guilty about eating.  In comes cauliflower soup.  To me, cauliflower in soup has the same texture as potatoes and is a great substitute.  This recipe has very few ingredients and so it's important to use the freshest ingredients.

Cauliflower Soup -

http://food52.com/recipes/15247-paul-bertolli-s-cauliflower-soup

To just add a bit of texture and flavor, I toasted off some sunflower seeds and croutons.

Seasonsed Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower Seeds     1/2 cup
Olive Oil                 2 tbsp
Cayenne                  to taste
Cumin                    1 tsp

Toss all of the ingredients together and toast at 325F until golden brown.

I hope everyone is having a great week and enjoy!

French Cruller

French Cruller