by Jennifer Goodwin Haigler

Created on: July 27, 2009

As I sit on the couch novel in hand reading page after page I start to feel a familiar pang come over me. Is it lunch or dinner time? No it isn't. This familiar pang I so often fell is for snack time. Unfortunately it hits hard and it hits often. So what am I to do? If I ignore it I could end up with a raging binge complete with a trip to my favorite local fast-food joint with enough food for three people and a pint of ice cream to top it all off. Regret will inevitably follow not to mention the belly ache my mother always warned me about for eating too much too fast. It is for this obvious reason that I try not to ignore it, besides I hate it when my mother is right. Having a snack is actually good for you after all as long as it is a healthy one. It is for this reason that when I feel I need a snack I pass up the potato chips, cookies, and candies. I open the fridge and reach for a tub of Hummus.

Hummus originated in the Middle East and is a dip or sauce made from the smashing of garbanzo beans also known as chick peas. Lemon juice, garlic and olive oil are the traditional seasonings for this dish but so many other flavorings, spices, juices, or vegetables can be used to change it up. Roasted garlic, jalapeno's, roasted red pepper, and pine nuts are just a few of the most common varieties found in your local markets. This is a snack you can also prepare for yourself quite easily in a food processor or blender.

Hummus

1 can chick peas, drained and rinsed

1 garlic clove, or more to taste, minced

3T tahini, more or less, to taste

C lemon juice

Salt to taste

Olive oil

In a blender or food processor add chick peas, garlic, tahini, and lemon juice. Process until smooth. Stream in olive oil to desired consistency. Salt to taste.

This is a very basic recipe for Hummus. You are only limited to your likes, dislikes, and imagination. You could add a cup of roasted red peppers when blending, you could use roasted garlic instead, you could use more lemon juice and add some lemon zest if you like it lemony. It's all up to you to play around with and make your own favorite flavors. This is a filling snack that can be used as a dip for pita or raw vegetables. It is high in dietary fiber and has a satisfying mouth feel. This is one snack you don't have to feel guilty about, even if you buy it premade at your local grocery store like I do. They have a variety of flavors as well as organic options. It is a quick, easy, and healthy snack that I hope you will try and love as much as I do.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Goodwin Haigler.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.