Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

In an effort to steer away from the massive amounts of baked goods we've been consuming lately, I've decided to make hummus. My hubby eats more veggies than any human should, and loves a yummy hummus to dip all those carrots and celery sticks in. I never wanted to make hummus before- I thought it would be way too hard and complicated. I just finished making this hummus and even I (usually a not a huge veggie and hummus lover) think it's super good, and really not hard! All the measurements are approximate, since I rarely actually dirty a measuring cup or spoon on something unbaked. :-) I cooked my chick peas in the crock pot- the whole bag plus enough water to cover + some and cook on low for about 4 hours (you can always drain excess water out when done cooking). The rest of the whole chick peas (cooked) will freeze beautifully to make the next batch of hummus!

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

2 cups cooked chick peas
1 tbsp sesame seeds (very lightly toasted- don't over-toast them, it makes them kind of bitter tasting)
6 oz marinated roasted red peppers (I used Mt. Olives brand, 2 pepper halves- about 1/2 the jar)
2 tbsp marinating olive oil (from the jar of peppers)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tbsp garlic powder
1/2 tbsp dried basil
1/2 tbsp lemon juice

1. Put chick peas, toasted sesame seeds, peppers and oil in food processor with chopper blade. Blend well, until basically smooth. If it's too dry looking, add more oil.
2. Add everything else. Blend well- about 2 minutes on high to make sure it's all incorporated and smooth.
3. Taste-test! Does it need anything? Add it!

Delicious! And I thought it would be hard to make! HAHA! :-)

I've also made this with lime juice, cilantro and garlic. I'm currently eating my hummus on a whole wheat tortilla with black pepper turkey and spinach. So good! 

On another, sadder, note: my daughter J seriously gagged on the baby yogurt I gave her this morning. If she doesn't like yogurt, I'm gonna be very disappointed. :-( Maybe I should make baby hummus for her... hmmm...

-Celina