Peanut Butter, Oat and Sesame Seed Bites

What can I say other than minimum effort, maximum taste. Something fulfilling that will satisfy and give you a boost in energy when you need it.  - JD

Peanut Butter, Oat and Sesame Seed Bites

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makes approximately 15 to 20 bites

1/2 cup Smooth Peanut Butter

1/4 cup honey

1 cup large flake rolled oats

1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

3 tablespoons ground flax seed

1/4 to 1/3 cup sesame seeds

In a bowl combine the peanut butter and honey and blend until smooth.

Add the oats, walnuts and flax. Mix well. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Roll peanut butter mixture into 1 inch balls, using... about 2 tablespoons peanut butter mixture, for each ball.

Pour the sesame seeds on a plate or in a small bowl and add the peanut butter balls, one at a time; roll to evenly coat each peanut butter ball with the sesame seeds. 

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.


Notes: I used Kraft Smooth Peanut Butter. 

 

Rosemary Crackers

These simple crackers have a subtle nutty rosemary flavour with a slightly salted top. A wonderful pairing to accompany any cheese board. 

Rosemary Crackers

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1 cup unbleached all purpose flour

1 cup chickpea flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

2/3 cup warm water

1/3 cup olive oil

2 to 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

sea salt, to lightly sprinkle on top, optional

Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC) Line a baking tray with baking parchment paper.

In a large bowl combine, flour, chickpea flour, baking powder, sesame seeds, and  chopped rosemary. Stir in the water and oil, mixing until a smooth dough has formed. Halve the dough.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out half the dough into a large square, as thin aa you can get it... about 1/4 inch or so, they will puff up a bit more in the oven. You can also roll the dough out on a clean sheet of baking parchment paper. 

Cut rolled out dough into small squares or shapes, by hand or by cutter. Place the shapes on to the prepared baking sheet. Pierce with a fork and lightly sprinkle with the sea salt.

Bake until crackers are dry and golden, about 10 to 12 minutes. Pulling the really brown ones. Cool completely on wire racks. Store in an airtight container. 

Notes: you can add more or less of the sesame seeds or not add them at all, it comes down to personal taste. You may also try using a different oil. I cut the cracker dough into shapes by hand, using a ravioli cutter.

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend! - JD 

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