Edamame Hummus!

This recipe is courtesy of my cousin Elise - an amazing chef!  She made this for a cousin home-video viewing party.  It was great fun and I ate this hummus non-stop the entire time I was there (and I'm eating it right now).  This is a super healthy and super delicious snack!

Makes 2 cups

2 cups shelled edamame (from the frozen section in the grocery store.  Thaw for an hour.)

2 cloves garlic

1⁄4 cup fresh parsley

1⁄4 cup fresh cilantro

1 Tbsp chives

1 Tbsp lemon zest

1⁄2 tsp ground cumin

3 Tbsp tahini (sesame seed butter found by the peanut butter in the store)

juice of 1 large lemon or two small

1-2 Tbsp olive oil depending on the texture you want, just keep adding til it's like a hummus texture

1-2 Tbsp water to help with the texture too, it'll make it a little less viscous

salt and pepper to taste (I think try it out with whatever chip or pita you're eating the dip with because if that's a nice salty chip, you won't need too much salt.)

In a food processor, blend all ingredients until smooth - add water as needed.  

Thanks Elise Bobise!

gluten free!

PUMPKIN BREAD!!!

Of all the recipes I've posted, I'm most excited about this one.  Every year since he was about 7, my wonderful husband has been in charge of making the holiday pumpkin bread.  This year, he as been tirelessly working to create the perfect vegan version of his famous classic.  After about 4 different loaves, he's finally found THE ONE!  It's light, fluffy, moist, sweet, pumpkinny, and the most delicious bread I think I've ever had.  The only other bread that could compete would be my dad's zucchini bread.  I seriously considered not posting this because I've always wanted a stellar secret recipe, but Michael insisted I share it with everyone :)  He's too nice.  Remember that baking is a science, so you want to follow this recipe like the straight A student you always wished you could be ;)

More Muffins!

My friends, Chris and Shaunte, tried the pumpkin muffins the other day and made a great suggestion.  Next time they make them, they're gonna use chunky applesauce and a touch of nutmeg - I will definitely be trying that!  Thanks guys! Glad you enjoyed them! This is how theirs turned out (these definitely look more impressive than mine!)  I'm beaming :)

Kale Chips

(I stole this image off the internet..shhhhhh)

Kale Chips are surprisingly yummy - and extremely addicting.  And of course super duper healthy!  I've made them a few times and they're always a hit.  Even for the non-believers.  And they're easy peasy.

Ingredients:
1 bunch kale
few Tbsps extra virgin olive oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
tsp Garlic powder

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325°F

1. Wash the kale.
2. Dry the kale thoroughly.
3. Pile on cookie sheet
4. Drizzle with olive oil, and mix with hands until olive oil JUST coats it.  You don't want too much oil or they will be soggy.
5. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes, mixing kale around on sheet half way through baking.  Make sure they don't burn. You want them a nice light golden brown on the top.  You'll be able to feel when they're crispy.

Serves two hungry people or three kind of hungry people as a side dish.  The kale cooks down to about half of what you start with.

Pumpkin Yogurt Snack

Ingredients:
Vanilla yogurt (I used "So Delicious" coconut based yogurt from Whole Foods)
Walnuts
A banana

and...

Trader Joe's Pumpkin Butter!  I added 2 tsp. Yum!

There is sugar in it, but not too much - so it's pretty healthy!

Add some veggies and hummus on the side to make it a complete lunch!

Yummy treat alert

If you don't already know about Trader Joe's Cherry Chocolate Chip Soy Ice Cream, now you do and go get it!  It's a staple in this house.

I just discovered another treat that I LOVE.  Instant chocolate pudding from Trader Joe's - in the red box.   Hint: it's pretty thin if you use the full 2 cups of milk.  If you like it really thick start at 1 1⁄2 Cups and go from there.  And it does set in 5 minutes - but I'd give it 10 :)

It seems pretty easy to make on your own, but the boxed stuff is so cheap, it might not be worth it.