Homemade Hummus

Sorry for the delays in posts!  I got into a cooking rut and was churning out the same dishes week after week.  "Bad Iesha!"

Heath and I have decided to start trying to have a baby this September.  Since we are both "more mature", I thought I better get my body into baby making shape!  Huge reduction on my caffeine and alcohol and better foods to be eaten.

I read that if 1/2 your plate consists of vegetables, 1/4 of your plate is protein, and 1/4 complex carbs - you should have a healthy and FERTILE diet. The idea that what I eat will affect the making of my child really makes eating better easier.

I had read about hummus in many magazines.  I love beans, so I figured I would give it a whirl.  I bought the ready made and fell in love!! However, I found out hummus doesn't love me.  Two times I broke out in hives.  I realized maybe it was time I made my own with ingredients I can control.

A friend gave me her mother's recipe and I also found a recipe in Better Homes and Garden magazine.

Tips I learned making Hummus:

• The great thing about cooking - only a few things are absolute.  You can really play with recipes and suit them to your taste.  Work with the ingredients and add new seasonings as you see fit.
• Homemade hummus is not as smooth as the ready made, but WAY CHEAPER!  And still - very yummy!
• Hummus is a great way to get protein into your diet. I love it for an early morning snack or to help tide me over until dinner.
• Put it in a whole wheat tortilla and you have a very good imitation of a bean burrito!! 
• Hummus can also be used as a topping or spread. It would jazz up fajitas, hamburgers, or even toast.

Homemade Hummus Recipe:

1 15-oz. can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans) drained and rinsed

1/4 teaspoon of pure sesame oil

1 teaspoon of good olive oil

1/2 tsp of lemon zest

3 tablespoons of lemon juice

4 cloves of garlic, peeled

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon of black pepper

1/2 cup of water

Combine all ingredients, EXCEPT water, in a food processor.  Add the water in small amounts and continue to blend.  Use as much water to make your hummus to your desired consistency.    Eat immediately or chill.