Hummus

Hummus is high in iron and vitamin C, and also has significant amounts of folate and vitamin B6. The chickpeas make it a good source of protein and dietary fiber; the tahini consists mostly of sesame seeds, which are an excellent source of the amino acid methionine, complementing the proteins in the chickpeas. Depending on the recipe, hummus carries varying amounts of monounsaturated fat. Hummus is useful in vegetarian and vegan diets and like other combinations of grains and pulses, when eaten with bread it serves as a complete protein.  This information comes from Wikipedia.  Here is the recipe I use:


Hummus


3 c. well cooked garbanzo beans (chick peas)
1/2 c. toasted sesame seeds
2 cloves garlic
2 T. lemon juice (fresh is best)
1 1/2 t. ground coriander
1 t. salt
1 t. cumin
1/4 t. cayenne


To toast sesame seeds, put in dry skillet over med heat stirring occasionally till golden.  In food processor pulse the garbanzos till chopped a bit.  Add rest of ingredients and process until smooth, scraping sides of bowl.
Serve as a dip with toasted pita chips, tortilla chips, crackers, veggies etc.
This is also good served in a pita half with lettuce and tomato as a sandwich.

Crockpot Sausage and Pea Soup

I hate winter.  The cold, the snow, the shoveling, the achy back (from shoveling), the icy roads the gray skies...etc. It just lasts too long here in Wisconsin.... I love winter... the warm fire in the fireplace, the sweatshirts and sweaters, the comfy quilts, snuggling up with a cup of coffee and a good book, vegging out and watching movies, building snowmen, sledding, coming in from the cold to hot chocolate with marshmallows.  The seasonal grapefruit, oranges, lemons and limes, and of course, soup!  So even though  winter is not my favorite season I can find reasons to love it and be thankful for it.

Crockpot Sausage and Pea Soup

1 1/4 c. dried green peas
1/4 c. pearled barley
1/2 # sliced smoked turkey sausage or kielbasa
1 chopped onion
1 c. chopped celery
1 c. chopped carrots
1 c. diced potatoes
3 16 oz. cans beef broth
1/4 t. cracked black pepper
1/8 t. nutmeg

     Add all ingredients in crockpot and cook 6 hours on low.  Serve with a loaf of crusty french bread.