Avocado Hummus

• 1 (15 oz) can chick peas, well drained
• 2 medium ripe avocados, cored and peeled (13 oz before cored and peeled)
• 3 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for serving if desired
• 1 1/2 Tbsp tahini
• 3 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp cumin
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• Pulse chick peas, olive oil, tahini, lime juice, and garlic in a food processor until smooth, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste (I did a scant 1/2 tsp salt and about 1/8 tsp pepper), add cumin and avocados and pulse mixture until smooth and creamy, about 1 - 2 minutes longer.

From: http://www.cookingclassy.com/2014/05/avocado-hummus/

Herb Sauce

1 c. olive oil
1/2 T. garlic powder
1 T. dried basil
1 T. dried parsley
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried or fresh rosemary
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Whisk ingredients together. Let herbs steep for at least 30 mins. at room temperature before using. Store tightly covered in a cool dark place up to 2 weeks. 

Makes a delicious alternative to a red sauce on pizzas and noodles, or use as a dipping sauce for flat breads.

Hummus

2 c. cooked chickpeas (or 1 can)
3 garlic cloves, crushed (or 1 T. minced)
1/4 c. tahini*
1 T. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt
1-2 T. cumin
1/4+ c. water

Blend all ingredients in food processor until you get a smooth, spreadable consistency. Add more water as needed.  Serve with chips, crackers, or as a wrap on tortillas.

Hummus and chips is one of my kids favorite lunches. Shhhh! I only use the word "chickpeas" never "garbonzo beans."

*You may use canned tahini, or make it fresh using 1/4 c. oil and 1 c. sesame seeds. Put in a blender and blend until smooth.

Avocado Black Bean Dip

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can sweet corn, drained
1/2 purple onion, diced
4 tomatoes, diced
2-3 avocados, diced
1/2 c. chopped cilantro
1 garlic cloved, minced
1/4-1/2 c. Italian dressing
salt & pepper to taste
squeeze of lime juice, optional

Mix everything together and enjoy with tortilla chips.

Beautiful colors and delicious!!! Once you start eating, you can't stop!