Hummus without Tahini

This is a Middle Eastern dip that can be served with crackers, pita bread, beagle chips, fresh vegetables, or whatever else you like. This hummus is more mild then most. My kids don't like the strong taste of tahini (sesame paste), but they love this version.  You can also try using other varieties of beans such as great northern or black beans.

1 can Garbanzo beans/chick peas, rinsed and drained (or 1 1/2 cups soft cooked beans)

1/4 C. Olive oil

1 Tbs. Lemon juice

1 tsp. Cumin (ground)

Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. If needed, thin with 1 Tbs. water or olive oil until desired consistency is reached.

Cheese Ball

This is another recipe from my mother-in-law. It is surprisingly simple and very very yummy. You can easily make a small ball for yourself to munch on or make it bigger to take to a party.

1 8oz pkg of cream cheese, softened
2 tsp minced garlic (eyeball to taste; I use jarred garlic)
3-4 green onions, diced (I use my kitchen scissors)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (I use pecans, my mother-in-law uses sliced almonds)

Mix the first three ingredients together well. Form into ball and roll in nuts to cover entire surface of ball. Double or tripple according to the crowd.

Diced red pepper makes a nice addition during the holidays (get it--red and green)

*My measurements on the garlic, green onions, and nuts are guesses. I just eyeball it to get a pretty good amount throughout the ball and to completely cover it with nuts.

Trail Mix

I've never made this with the pumpkin seeds, but it tastes great without them!

1 bag (6 ounces) slivered almonds
1/2 cup shelled pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. On a foil lined baking sheet, combine almonds, pumpkin seeds, and coconut. Bake for 10 minutes or until coconut is golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool thoroughly. Combine toasted coconut mixture with dried cranberries and chocolate chips.