Hummus

A few months ago I convinced my hubby to start snacking on hummus with veggies and pitas (instead of cookies)...imagine my surprise when he decided he liked it. We're huge fans of the tub you can get at Costco, but I wanted to try making my own. I found several recipes and here's what I came up with.

*2 1/2 c. chick peas (If you use the canned kind, drain and rinse)
*3-4 TBSP tahini (sold by Mid-Eastern foods, I usually get mine at Kitchen Kneads)
*2-3 cloves garlic
*2 tsp. lemon juice
*1/4 tsp. cumin
*1/4 tsp. sea salt
*Olive oil or cold water
*a few red pepper flakes if you like a little heat

Puree ingredients in blender or food processor until desired consistency, adding olive oil or water (usually 2-4 TBSP.) to help with mixing. Cover tightly and refrigerate for a week or two. We serve ours with pita chips, baby carrots, or warm pita bread.

Last time I went to get tahini, they were out of it, so I grabbed some sesame seeds and made my own.
Tahini:
Spread 2 c. sesame seeds onto a baking sheet and bake at 350 for about 10 minutes, until golden brown. Puree in blender with 2-3 TBSP. olive oil until pourable. Refrigerate up to one month.

Note: I buy dry beans in bulk and cook them in my pressure cooker with water and oil and sometimes garlic. Then I freeze them in 1-2 cup servings.