Whipped Hummus
I’ve tried all kinds of tricks to get super smooth hummus, from removing the skins from the chickpeas to starting with dried chickpeas and cooking them in the pressure cooker. This method uses canned chickpeas and is super easy, as long as you don’t mind listening to your blender run for a while. It’s delicious and has a satisfying, velvety texture.
Roasted Red Pepper & Cauliflower Dip
I’ve been looking for healthier, plant-based snacks to have around the house while working from home, as well as to share with friends now that we can socialize again. Cauliflower in particular seems like a good option, since it’s chock full of vitamins and nutrients, has tons of fiber, and is low in calories. This delicious dip is as easy as chopping and roasting veggies, and then blitzing them in the food processor, and lets you snack and still feel good about yourself.
Roasted Fennel & White Bean Dip
I was drawn to this bean-based dip thinking it would be healthy, but realized how decadent it was after liberally brushing the crostini in butter and blending the copious amounts of olive oil and grated cheese into the dip. I’ll try to lighted it the next time I make it, but for now just consider it a luxury.
Pineapple Salsa
This is the perfect summer salsa thanks to diced fresh pineapple, which is much easier to slice into than I used to think. Red bell pepper and red onion add color, and cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, and lime juice add mouth-watering flavor.
Mom’s Cranberry-Avocado Salsa
Salsa is standard party fare, but this fresh, holiday-themed version with chopped jalapeño, red onion, avocado, cranberries, and cilantro is a delightful surprise. It went quickly when mom took it to a recent holiday get-together.
Caramelized Onion Dip
Last month we had an amazing vacation in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone. After a day of hiking around Jenny Lake, we were ravenous and ended up at Signal Mountain Lodge for a very late lunch. We ordered their fried Brussels sprouts and French onion dip, which was better than any onion dip we’d ever had. Served with homemade potato chips, their dip was a creamy base filled with rich caramelized onions, like this recipe we ran across when we got home.
Corn & Black Bean Salsa
Combine freshly shucked sweet corn, black beans, red onion, fresh jalapeños, bell pepper, cumin, and cilantro combine and enjoy with tortilla chips.
Super Smooth Hummus
Using dried chickpeas and baking soda, and cooking the chickpeas until very well done will result in a dreamy smooth hummus. If you’re making this for a party or if your crowd really likes hummus, double the recipe.
The Pioneer Woman’s Salsa
I prefer smooth (not chunky) salsa, and think that this recipe from The Pioneer Woman is perfect.
Crushed White Bean Spread with White Truffle Oil
The truffle oil means you’ll still be thinking about this otherwise humble bean dip long after you’ve licked the bowl clean. This was the perfect dressy appetizer to take to a birthday party for Jamy.