Sensible Snacks

In our home, for my family, I really try to keep healthy and flavorful snacks around for the boys to munch on. The crisper in our refrigerator is filled with juicy apples, sweet seedless grapes, celery, and carrots. The bowl on our kitchen table is overflowing with oranges and clementines (the most requested snack by my boys).

When we have friends over, I love to cook. One of my favorite things to make is, without a doubt, appetizers. There are so many options and your imagination is the only limit that you have to face. Any main dish or dessert can be instantly transformed into an appetizer (just served in smaller quantities). Appetizers can completely transform any gathering, with just a few tasty ingredients.

A new favorite recipe to add to my perfect recipe collection is a savory chickpea hummus dip that is equally delicious with pita bread, fresh cut vegetables, and tortilla chips. I am already dreaming up new variations for hummus: Greek Hummus (adding fresh cucumber, basil, tomato, and a sprinkling of feta), sundried tomato, roasted red pepper, tomato-basil, spinach-artichoke. I think that there is no end to the flavorful variations - especially considering that you can use white beans in place of the chickpeas.

"Yummus" Dip (by Janet & Greta Podleski)

1 can garbanzo beans (which are also called chickpeas), drained and rinsed

1/4 cup light sour cream

2 Tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)

2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 Tablespoon olive oil

2 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp grated lemon zest

1 tsp honey

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp ground cumin

1/8 tsp ground coriander

Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

In a food processor, process the beans until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and process. Store in refrigerator. Serve with chips, pita bread, vegetables.

Happy snacking!