I love chickpeas.  I don’t ever remember eating them before college, but I soon discovered that chickpeas are nothing but fun in a can!  I like to rinse them, douse them with seasoning, and roast until crunchy.  I like to toss them in salads.  And I really, really, like to throw them in my food processor and make hummus!  Hummus is the most make-to-taste recipe I’ve ever encountered, so I’m going to give you my personal take on ingredient combinations, but you should add or subtract to you and your family’s taste.  If making for a party, though, you might want to go a little easy on the garlic.

Hummus
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 15 minutes prep, 30 minutes in the fridge
Serves: 6-8 – although I tend to make it as the main course of a meal, in which case it serves 3-4.
Requires: A food processor or blender

• 1 can chickpeas
• 3 tbsp tahini (sesame paste – check out the international aisle)
• a little under 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup water
• 4 tbsp lemon juice
• 2-3 garlic cloves, pressed through garlic press.  If you don’t have one, just throw them in the food processor first by themselves to mince them.
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt (normal salt works, I just like kosher better)
• 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1. Combine all of the ingredients and process until you get a smooth consistency.  How hard was that?  Now, take a spoon a taste some.  Add more lemon, garlic, tahini, whatever, and reprocess until you find the right flavors for your family.  Keep in mind, the flavors continue to meld and grow in the fridge.
   
2. Pop in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour.  It’ll keep well for about 2 days – after that, it starts to separate weird.
3. To serve, pile it in the middle of your serving dish, and using a ladle or spoon, create a well in the middle.  Sprinkle the edges lightly with cayenne pepper.  Fill the well with olive oil. Yum!
   

Warm Pita Bread

• Pita bread – how much depends on whatever veggies you’re serving.  When I make this for a meal, I do one piece a person, but for an appetizer, maybe 1/4 per person?  How hungry are your guests?
• Olive Oil
• Seasoning – Italian, Parmesan, Salt and Pepper… whatever!

1. Preheat the oven to 350
2. Cut the pita into wedges and lightly coat both sides with olive oil.  Sprinkle with desired amount of seasoning.
3. Bake for 5-8 minutes, until warm and desired consistency (i.e. the longer you bake them, the crispier they become like chips).  Serve!
   

Related posts:

1. Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad
2. Phyllo Pockets with Chicken and Goat Cheese
3. Vegetarian Chili
4. The Apple of my Brie… Sandwich… with Onions
5. Chicken Almondine