Spiced Sweet Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Hummus... my love.

Usually. This version wasn't really my thing. I know. I feel like a traitor. But this whole spicy hummus thing was not up my alley. I usually love spicy foods. I like it so hot that my eyes water. Just don't mess with my sweet hummus.

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But, in the hopes that this is your kind of thing, I am posting it. Next time I might use it and just omit the cayenne.

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Spiced Sweet Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

From Allrecipes.com

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INGREDIENTS

• 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
• 1 (4 ounce) jar roasted red peppers
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  

DIRECTIONS

1. In an electric blender or food processor, puree the chickpeas, red peppers, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, cumin, cayenne, and salt.
2. Process, using long pulses, until the mixture is fairly smooth, and slightly fluffy. Make sure to scrape the mixture off the sides of the food processor or blender in between pulses.
3. Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. (The hummus can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. Return to room temperature before serving.)
4. Sprinkle the hummus with the chopped parsley before serving.

Aww... look how cute.

Balsamic Veggie Sandwich

Mmm... revel in the juicy goodness.

One of the things I love so much about sandwiches is personalization. A little of this, a little of that. Do I feel like tomato? Nah, leave that out. Sandwiches provide the perfect opportunity for you to tweak a recipe toward your own tastes or put a spin on something bland to make it extraordinary.

I came up with this "recipe" (honestly, I never really think of sandwich fixings as making a recipe) from a sandwich I had at a chain downtown one day. Do I remember the name of the place? No. Do I remember the exact ingredients? No. Does it matter? Not one bit. Sandwiches are a beautiful thing.

So here is the basic idea. Fiddle as you will.

Balsamic Veggie Sandwich

INGREDIENTS

• Balsamic vinegar
• Roasted red bell peppers
• Spinach pesto
• 2 slices of bread
• Sprouts
• 1 ball of fresh mozzarella (bononcini)

DIRECTIONS

1. Spread a thin layer of pesto on one slice of bread.
2. Sprinkle some balsamic vinegar on the other slice. (I like to add it to what will be the bottom slice so that the tart vinegar is first to hit my tongue. Mmm...)
3. Slice the mozzarella and layer on the pesto slice.
4. Arrange chopped pepper on other slice and cover with sprouts.
5. Smoosh both halves together, slice, and enjoy!
   

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In other news, I recently bought a nice pile of mangoes that were on sale, so expect to see some mango recipes in the near future!