Za’atar Squash Dip

Za'atar Squash Dip

Here’s a nice roasted squash dip with the seasoning Za’atar. It’s great served with fresh veggies, pita bread, or as a spread in a sandwich.

Pistachio Basil Pesto

Pistachio Basil Pesto

Fresh pesto typically uses pine nuts however this recipe has a nice twist with roasted, salted pistachios. I bought ones that were already roasted, but you can easily buy them raw and roast them in the oven or stovetop. Serve the pesto on pasta, on pizza, over cooked veggies, or in a veggie sandwich with mayo.

Squash Hummus

Squash Hummus

This hummus is a kid-friendly dish. The squash adds a nice sweetness. It’s good served traditionally with pita bread, however it can also be served with raw veggies, crackers, cooked veggies, or in a sandwich. 

Spiced Pork Loin With Apple Chutney

Spiced Pork Loin

This recipe is a bit more involved then a typical weekly dinner because it has apple chutney. If you don’t have time to make the chutney, you can purchase a chutney, such as mango chutney, from your grocery store.  

The pork is marinated with cumin, cayenne pepper, cinnamon and garlic with goes nicely with the apple chutney. 

Green Goddess Dressing With Avocado

Many years ago I attended a friend’s wedding shower. Her mom was an excellent cook who made everything from scratch, even bread. I vividly remember enjoying this green dip and when I asked about the recipe, I was shocked to learn that it had anchovies. I now realize it was probably the Green Goddess Dressing, originating in San Francisco.

I learned about this dip while I was teaching a course this summer in Kamloops, B.C.  The whole class seemed to know about this infamous dip from the 70’s and 80’s, except me. I set out to recreate it myself. Because it was green and I was doing a Newsletter on avocados, I thought I’d add one to the recipe.  Here’s what I came up with! It works great as a salad dressing, a dip with raw veggies, a topping on roasted veggies or even with French fries.  

Guacamole With Cilantro

If you have a number of avocados in your house that are ready to be eaten, try making this guacamole. This recipe is slightly different than the typical guacamole but it’s just as delicious. If you can’t eat it all at once, freeze it for another time. 

How To Make Hummus

Hummus is an easy snack to make and tasty! Plus it's loaded  with fibre and healthy olive oil. Try making it yourself, you'll be surprised how easy it really is. 

Enjoy!

Hummus

1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
1 large clove of garlic
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoon tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¾ teaspoon salt

Combine all ingredients into a food processor and process until smooth. If too thick add a little water. Serve with cut up vegetables or whole wheat pita bread.

You Can Have A Gas While Eating Beans!

How To Avoid Gas From Eating Beans

Did you know that the average person will produce 1 litre of gas in a day?

Gas is often cited as the reason not to eat beans, yet beans are a great source of fibre, loaded with nutrients, and are low in fat and calories.

A solution is to always rinse your canned beans before using. This will eliminate the starch which is a contributor to the gas.

Another trick is to introduce beans slowly into your diet and in small quantities. Slowly increase your portions until they become a regular staple in your diet.

Here is a great Hummus recipe which is a great snack and a simple, tasty way of adding fibre to your diet.