Hummus

I have tried many hummus recipes. Some with much success and others with much less. Hummus is a great dip to have with vegetables, crackers, or multi-grain corn chips. Also it is fabulous on burgers (veggies or meat), toast, and sandwiches. A healthier snacking choice that contains 20 Amino Acids, has many minerals, rich in Vitamin C and B6, offers good fat from the Tahini paste and is about 30-40% protein when made homemade. Store made hummus might not be as healthy. 

Armed with a blender and only 5 to 7 easy ingredients you will have a lovely snack in no time. Positively tasty, this hummus recipe is simple and in my opinion one of the best
   

Hummus

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1 can of chickpeas or Garbanzo beans (drain only half of the water)

1/4 cup Tahini (sesame seed) paste

1 clove of garlic, crushed

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/4 teaspoon of cumin

1/4 teaspoon of chili powder

1/4 cup lemon juice to taste

Blend all the ingredients together in a blender or a food processor for about 3  minutes or until smooth. Place in a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and paprika.

Notes: Alter the amounts of cumin and chili powder according to your taste. Try other herbs or spices. Try adding roasted red peppers. 

It is Wednesday and we have been granted with snow. Thick. Heavy. Slushy snow. - JD 

Wasabi Sauce Anyone?

When I saw this I just had to try it. This is more like a mayonnaise with wasabi flavour which is great for sandwiches and for dipping. I added a few squirts to my lentil burger which gave it the right amount of zing! A bit subtle at first however the classic wasabi heat builds over time. A little goes a long way.

Hope everyone is having a good week. Seems like mine has been another busy one. - JD

Falafel and Cucumber Dip

The other day I was cruising the aisle at the new No Frill's grocery store in our neighbourhood and I found a falafel mix by Alfez which salt quantity wasn't that bad... I think it was 10% or less and which fat and ingredient contents were pretty palatal. So I purchase said box and happily walked home. That night I made the mix into falafel patties not the round meatball shape that is the usually recognizable symbol of the falafel. I was impressed as they were quite tasty. Even though I would purchase this mix again, I would still like to make falafels from scratch. 

To compliment the falafel patties I made a cucumber dip/sauce otherwise known as Tzatziki sauce. I took the remainder of the plain organic yoghurt I had and placed it in a bowl. Then I chopped up some cucumbers into tiny bits... not to fine I wanted the dip to have some crunch. Then I finely chopped a shallot and added both cucumber and shallot to the yoghurt. I then added a bit of dill, summer savoury, pepper and a pinch of salt. Stirred to mix everything together. Covering the bowl with cling film and letting it sit for and hour or so. It was very delicious! - JW 

Lavender Jelly

The only thing wrong with this is that I should have bought the larger jar! 
I bought this from a lovely little shop at the Market Place at Brogdale Farm which is the home of the National Fruit Collection. Brogdale Cottage Foods is a family owned and run bussiness. We bought a selection of local British cheeses and two small pots of this Lavender Jelly. One pot was devoured in England with crackers and cheese and the other boarded the plane with me. Ready for a cold winters day when I am craving a taste of summer - JW 

Lemon Curd

Another spread I like is lemon curd. The label states "surprising english flavour." I was assuming that Rule Britannia would play when I opened the jar or with a mere morsel I would be enjoying a lovely picnic in Regent's Park. It did neither! When I think of lemon curd I think of Scotland. Why? I have no idea! Lemon curd is of Great Britain; England, Scotland and Wales, origin. I have tried many curds... Fortnum and Mason's being, by far, the best! This one I place second. I have made my own lemon curd to which I was quite pleased with my first time results. I find it is a great alternative to jam and can be used on a variety of things. Such as crumpets, scones, pancakes, sponge cakes, toast, ice cream and yoghurt. -JW