I love hummus.  It is my go-to post-workout snack with sliced vegetables or whole wheat crackers.  Here is an easy recipe that anyone can use and love.

2 cans chick peas

1/2 cup tahini butter (ground sesame seeds)

splash of Worcestershire sauce

1 tbs lime juice

6 roasted garlic cloves

2 tsp

1/2 cup garlic olive oil

Mix all of the above in a food processor until mostly smooth.  If it is too thick add water by the tablespoon until it is peanut butter smooth, but not watery.

Summer is almost (kinda) here! To celebrate the season and avoid heating up your house with an oven, I have concocted this outstanding dish. It can serve as a main course when chicken, cubed sausage, or tuna is added, or a sensational side when meat is omitted.

1/2 cup olives (I mix green and black)
3 sprigs of green onion chopped
1 cup of chopped celery
1 cup of chopped cooked meat (from the suggested list above) (optional)
3 cups cooked whole wheat pasta spirals or elbow macaroni
1/4 cup yellow mustard
1/2 cup egg-free mayonnaise (found in Natural Food section of most grocery stores)
1/4 cup chopped pickles or dill pickle relish
2 boiled eggs chopped (optional)
1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
1 cup cherry tomatoes chopped in half
1/2 cup shredded raw zucchini
1 teaspoon each: fresh basil, bay leaves, and oregano

Combine all the ingredients you prefer out of the list above. Do not omit the mayo nor the mustard, they are essential to the consistency of the salad. Chill in the refrigerator at least four hours before serving, to allow the flavors to mingle and the zucchini to soften.

Serve and enjoy.

Looking for an amazing end to a great summer? Look no further than this delicious salad!

8 oz fresh strawberries sliced
4 oz cherry tomatoes
2 oz chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons dried cranberry
1/4 cup feta cheese
1 bag pre-washed organic bagged spinach
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil

Toss all together in a bowl. If desired serve with grilled chicken.

If those raspberry’s don’t tempt you to throw some color on your plate, then I don’t know what will! They are sweet but not over-powering and they are so good for you. In this recipe, I suggest balsamic vinegar and garlic oil to top the bed of greens, but feel free to experiment as your tastes buds choose!
Happy Summer Everyone!!!!
2 cups spinach salad mix
1 granny Smith apple peeled, cored, and sliced thin
8 oz clam shell of raspberries
4 grilled boneless skinless breast tenderloins cut into strips
4 tsp balsamic vinegar
4 tsp garlic olive oil
2 strips of turkey bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/4 cup blue cheese, or feta cheese (optional)
1/4 cup multi-grain pita chips partially crushed (optional)

Layer all the ingredients in order of the recipe list starting with the lettuce. Include the optional ingredients if desired (I highly suggest them). Serve with a light, crisp Chardonnay (chilled of course!) Serves 2.

This Caesar salad dressing is delicious! It was given to me by my cousin-chef. I hope you enjoy it!

In a blender or food processor combine the following:
2 Egg whites
1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1 TBS lemon juice
2 TBS Red wine vinegar
2 TBS Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic paste
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup olive oil