The Holidays are coming!

Thanksgiving is almost here.  Are you ready?  I have been trying to lose 20 pounds before the holiday, and m so close to making that goal!  Goal number 2; don't gain it back  before January.  This second goal is going to be a little difficult because I absolutely love to bake and try new recipes.  With all of the get-togethers coming up, I have lots of opportunity to share my creations with friends and family.  Since I have discovered the joy of Pinterest, I have several boards of recipes I am determined to try, and several grocery lists prepared.  I will be posting these creations for you to let you know what works and what doesn't.

As for now, I have one week left to lose those last 3 pounds, so we are eating healthy here.  I love hummus, especially as a veggie dip, but it is also great as a sandwich spread.  I was discussing this wonderful condiment with my boss who mentioned that hummus made with edamame is pretty delicious.  hummus is traditionally made with chick peas, however I usually make it with black beans or a mixture of both. 

Edamame hummus

1 bag frozen edamame, thawed

1 bulb garlic, roasted

2 TBS Sesame tahini

1 TBS ground cumin

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 cup olive oil

First, be sure to buy the shelled edamame to save a ton of time.  To roast garlic, cut the top off of the bulb, place on a piece for aluminum foil, drizzle with a little olive oil, sprinkle with salt, wrap in foil, and roast in a 375 degree oven about 20 minutes until the bulb is soft.  remove from oven and allow to cool.

While garlic is roasting, place thawed edamame and tahini in a food processor, pulse a few times until well mixed.  Add all spices and pulse a few more times.

Add garlic.  Just unwrap bulb and squeeze garlic paste into the mixture.  

Now is the time to put the lid on the food processor, slowly drizzle olive oil in through the chute while processing.  Add enough oil to make a nice paste, it may take a little more or less than a cup depending on the texture you would like to achieve.

Be sure to taste, add a little more salt if needed.  If you like a more smoky flavor, add more cumin.

As I stated earlier, you can also make this with black beans or chick peas.  I have had it with kalamata olives and roasted red pepper.  There are so many possible variations, you never need to get bored.