Garlic Hummus

 1 can or approximately 2 cups chickpeas/garbanzo beans, drained
1/3 cup tahini (ground sesame seeds)
3-4 cloves of garlic
6 tbsp lemon juice, fresh or concentrated
1 tsp sea salt
1-2 tbsp water (varied for thickness)

1: Chop garlic up and place in food processor/blender until minced. I put 5 cloves in my hummus, which turned out very garlicy, so if you just want a hint, perhaps 3 cloves will do.

 2: Drain and rinse chickpeas/garbanzo beans before adding to the processor.

 3: Add all ingredients and blend until it reaches the desired consistency, adding the water last to ensure that your hummus is not too thin (unless you like it thin).

 4: When blended, taste for seasoning and add any other ingredients you may like, such as a bit of hot sauce or peppers if you prefer spicy hummus.

Makes: 2 cups hummus

Direct link: Garlic Hummus

Avocado Sprout Wrap

Simple to make and you can add other fresh veggies like peppers and such to add a bit more crunch.  Be resourceful and use what you have on hand!

1 Flatout Italian wrap
1/2 avocado
2 slices of onion
a few small garden tomatoes
clover sprouts
olive oil
salt & pepper

1: Arrange sliced avocado, onions and tomatoes on middle of wrap

2: Add a strip of olive oil, salt & pepper and a bit of sprouts on top

 

3: Roll up, slice and enjoy!

Chicago Style Cheese & Caramel Popcorn

Remember when we were kids and somehow one of those popcorn trio tins would end up in your home during the holidays?  My favorite way to eat it was mixing the cheese and caramel popcorn together and leaving the plain popcorn behind.  When I got older, I learned that this particular mix is referred to as the Chicago blend, having originated in the Midwest.  I found two vegan popcorn brands that are somewhat widely available, Earth Balance being available at Whole Foods (and all of the chain grocery stores here in Washington as well).

Cracker Jacks Caramel Popcorn
Earth Balance Vegan Aged White Cheddar Popcorn

Mix together and enjoy! :)

Note: In the Cracker Jacks, the peanuts are usually at the bottom of the bag/box, so it's easier to separate if you don't want to add them to your mix.  Just be careful about sharing this snack with those who may be allergic to peanuts!

Follow these links for more information on these products:
Cracker Jacks Caramel Popcorn
Earth Balance Vegan Aged White Cheddar Popcorn

Direct Link: Chicago Style Cheese & Caramel Popcorn

Strawberry Jelly Oatmeal

Jazz up your oatmeal with jelly or jam if fresh fruit is out of season or unavailable.  A perfect treat on a cold winter's morning.

1 cup quick oats
1 1/2 cup water or non-dairy milk (2 cups if you like it thinner)
1 tbsp strawberry jelly

optional: 1 tbsp light brown sugar

1: Boil water, then add oats and cook for about a minute (if using quick oats)
2: Scoop into a bowl, then add jelly (and optional brown sugar) on top!

Makes: One very large serving

Note: This recipe can be made gluten-free if you're using oats that are certified gluten-free (that is, grown and then processed in a factory that ensures that there is no gluten contamination.)

Sweet Chop Suey Rice

This Sweet Chop Suey Rice is delicious with a side of spring rolls.  With only three ingredients, whip this dish up in no time!

1 cup rice
2 cups water
1 can chop suey, drained
2-3 tbsp sweet & sour sauce

1: Boil water, add rice, turn to low setting and cover for 20 minutes
2: Fluff rice with a fork and add chop suey

3: Mix in the sweet and sour sauce a little at a time until it reaches the flavor you prefer

Makes: about 3 1-cup servings

Direct Link: Sweet Chop Suey Rice