Zucchini Hummus

This is such a great go to snack!

Love to dip zucchini slices, carrots, & celery in this.

And if you have a garden, this is a great way to use up some extra zucchinis :)

Hope you enjoy!

Zucchini Hummus (from makeeverydayraw.blogspot.com)

1 large zucchini in summer or 2 small zucchini in winter (at least in PA)
1/2 cup Tahini
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Cumin
1 Large Garlic Clove
Sprinkle of Paprika

Peel the zucchini until all the green skin is removed. This is very important! Not peeling the zucchini will make it chunky and green, not like hummus at all. Slice peeled zucchini into smaller pieces. Combine all ingredients except Paprika into food processor and blend until creamy and thick. If not desired consistency add a little bit of water while blending. Serve in a bowl or store Zucchini Hummus in a plastic container (I re-use a plastic store bought large hummus container) and sprinkle with paprika. Great garnishes or hummus variations can include other fresh or dried herbs, sun dried tomatoes, red peppers, a drizzle of olive oil, olives, or pine nuts.

Who Would Have Thunk? Beets and Sweet Potatoes!

We've been getting beets in our CSA box lately.

I wasn't too thrilled at first.

Tried just roasting them by themselves.... yuck! (well... it's not for me anyways)

Wow, so who would have thunk??

Beets & sweet potatoes would be the magic combo, really?!

REALLY!!

Believe you me, I have NEVER been a fan of beets. Ick!

But once I tried this combination, thanks to Matt, I actually like them.

I don't love them, but they are growing on me.

And each time, we're able to mix a little less sweet potatoes with the beets ;)

That's progress in my opinion.

Besides, I did some research and found that beets have some great benefits.

They are a little higher on the carb/sugar content, so don't go nuts.

Which I honestly don't think anyone would over beets. Ha!

Also, may sound gross, but don't be alarmed if your pee is reddish after eating these.

Kind of scared me the first time.... but it does happen.

TMI?? Sorry, just didn't want you to have a scare.

Better to be informed, right?!

So anywho, on to the benefits I found out about (from organicfacts.net)

1) Good for the heart. Beet fiber helps to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides by increasing the level of HDL.

2) Avoids birth defects: Great for pregnant women since it is a source of vitamin B folate, which is helpful in the development of the infants spinal column.

3) Prevents certain cancers. WOW!! I thought this was pretty cool, VERY cool!! Studies have found that beets help prevent colon cancer, since it contains betacyaninis, which counteracts cancer.

4) Good for the liver.

5) Helps prevent respiratory problems (asthma) and lung cancer.

6) Prevents cataracts because of the beta caratene

Pretty impressive huh?!

I was pretty stunned.

I'll be eating my beets now ;)

So there you have it.

Don't knock it until you try it.

You may be surprised.

Roasted Beets & Sweet Potatoes

So here's how we prepare ours:

1) Preheat oven at 400.

2) Cover cookie sheet with foil. Peel and Cut up 2 to 3 sweet potatoes and 2 to 3 beets.

3) Place sweet potatoes on sheet first. Drizzle with a little olive oil & bake for 15 min.

Add cut beets to sweet potatoes, a little more olive oil and 1 to 2 tblsp of brown sugar. Mix it up and place back in oven for another 15 min.

**Matt likes to add a little honey to his. I don't think it's necessary, but you may**