So I'm walking the pup last night and get a dinner invite at a neighbor's house. Fun but darn....what the heck am I going to bring?! I knew that by the time I finished our walk, I would only have about 30 minutes before walking back down for dinner. And I didn't need to bring something but I just feel nekkid if I go to a casual dinner party without some sort of contribution. Lucky for me, I keep cans in my pantry for just such a last minute need. I'd never made hummus before but I knew the basics and figured it would turn out decent enough to eat. Oh I was so right! If you've never made your own hummus, you need to give it a go. Other than the fact that a can of chick peas is about $0.89, the flavor is out of this world. So here's my non-recipe. Like just about everything in my life, I used what I found in my kitchen.


Make Your Own Hummus

In a blender or food processor, dump in 1 can of chick peas, 1 can of artichoke hearts (of course if you don't have these on hand feel free to omit), 1 teaspoon minced garlic (I had a jar in the door of the fridge), a few splashes of sesame oil, some EVOO and some water. Basically add liquid (I did half EVOO and half water to cut down on the fat. My over the top health conscious cousin uses fat free chicken broth. But I have to say there is a need for at least some EVOO for flavor value.) until there is enough for all the beans and artichoke hearts to blend into a semi-smooth dip. Don't like artichoke hearts? What about a jar of roasted red peppers instead? I have a jar of pickled asparagus that I am thinking might add a fun color and zing too! The possibilities are endless. And the flavor is fabulous! I know that regular hummus uses Tahiti but y'all should guess by now that my Price Chopper does not carry such fancy items. Sesame oil had to do in a pinch. I love the mild toasted flavor so much I think it's all I'll ever use. I keep pita bread on hand at all times so I just cut them up with kitchen scissors and pretended that I slaved away for hours as everyone complimented me.