Every. Single. Summer day the kids are shuffling around, in and out of the house, searching for the ipad, unloading landscaping stones from cargo pockets, poking and prodding at their sister, screaming from the toilet for a bum to be wiped, and then, exactly 1.25 hours after their last meal, it happens. Every single day. "Mom, I'm hungry! I want some chocolate! May I have some yogurt? Can we go get ice cream? I want a treat!" Before I get a chance to breathe let alone answer the first question, the voices turn from a gentle whine to more of a screechy "I'm staaaaarving!!"
Now, while patience is a virtue, I can openly admit, it is not one of mine. Not with 3 kids cackling and screeching all at the exact same time! Baby, you are not starving!
It was about 3 years ago the experimentation with hummus began in my kitchen. It was pretty clear we needed a diary-free, protein and healthy fat packed snack to help with blood sugar dips for the entire family. While store bought hummus is a better snack option in comparison to other processed foods, it's still very much a processed food, typically containing sugar and various additives and preservatives. According to a highly selective 6-year-old, this hummus is better than those store bought brands.
Get out your food processor, just a few simple ingredients, and be ready to wow a small family or large crowd. Hush the hungry littles and put an end to the cravings, naturally, with this Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Dip!
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Dip
By Audrey Byker Health Coach
1 can of organic chickpeas, drained, reserving 1/3 cup of liquid
1 clove of fresh garlic
3 Tbls. tahini
2 Tbls. fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp. sea salt
2 organic roasted red peppers (from a jar)
1 Tbls. liquid from the roasted red peppers or more to taste
In a large food processor, add drained chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, salt and reserved liquid. Turn on and process for a few minutes. Scrape sides then add peppers and liquid from the jar. Turn on and process for a few minutes more until hummus has reached desired consistency. Serve with cut up veggies and/or organic tortilla chips. Double the recipe and keep on hand, in the fridge, to use for a hunger emergency.
