Hummus

A delicious dip for vegetables or spread on crackers. Nutritious, inexpensive and healthy; everything you'd love in one easy recipe!

When I first tried Hummus, I didn't know what was in it; I could taste the garlic but not the distinct taste of chickpeas which I actually despised! I read the ingredient list and was literally amazed to find chickpeas as the main ingredient!

1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)

1/2 cup tahini paste

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove (fresh, minced) or more depending on your personal taste


juice of 2 medium lemons

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp cumin



1. In a food processor (or blender) puree chickpeas.

2. Add remaining ingredients. Adjust seasoning if needed, and mix.

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.



Tahini paste: this is sesame seeds ground up, sold in a jar and can be used as a substitute for peanut butter intolerant individuals. This may be found in specialty markets with middle eastern foods, in a grocery store with international foods or organic shoppes. If you cannot find it in your local super market, ask if they can order it for you. One jar is about $4-$7 (depends on brand, type (organic, etc), location (speciality market, etc) but typically makes several batches and keeps for a long time in the refrigerator.

No-Yeast Pizza Dough

The kids want pizza, you're running low on cash and you're out of yeast to make the pizza dough. This great dough is super fast, no rising time and easy as a pizza pie! The dough is very similar to a tea biscuit tasting crust when finished.

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

2/3 cup milk

6 Tbsp oil

Mix together and spread on a cookie sheet or pizza pan.

Preheat oven: to 425 degrees

Top with sauce, toppings and cheese. Bake for about 20 minutes, watching for a golden crust on the bottom of the pizza.



Topping Suggestions:

Top with pizza sauce (spaghetti sauce works too!)

Herbs, spices and your favourite pizza toppings!


* Use up some left over chicken cut into pieces
* Frozen or leftover: meatballs cut in quarters (heat through easier).
* Leftover hamburger patties cut or crumbled on the pizza.
* Sliced bologna, pepperoni, ham or other deli meats cut up into bite sized pieces.
* Pineapple (drained) and chopped
* Olives (sliced/drained)
* Tomato slices
* Cooked broccoli
* Onions, sliced/diced
* Green peppers, red peppers and other sweet bell peppers; sliced or cubed
* Hot pepper rings
* Mushrooms (canned or sliced, fresh)
* Feta cheese, drained/crumbled (a personal favourite!)
* Spinach (rinsed and ripped)

Top it off with cheese!

Easy crowd pleaser, saves time and money and promotes team work in the kitchen with children having input into toppings and assisting! Remember what ingredients you used, you'll want to name your creation!

Easy Sponge Cake

This is an adapted recipe from a cook book I was given many years ago. I enjoy this recipe for it's simplicity and versatility.

2 eggs

1 cup white sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup milk

1 Tbsp Butter (or margarine)


Preheat oven: to 350 degrees

1. Beat eggs until frothy; add sugar gradually while beating until thick. Add vanilla.

2. Mix flour, baking powder and salt; stir into egg mixture.

3. In a small saucepan heat milk and butter until hot (not boiling). Stir into batter.

4. Spread into greased 9x9" pan.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes. (toothpick in centre of cake should come out clean)

Serve warm or cool and top with choice of fruits, whipped cream or icing.

Freezes well; great dessert for unexpected guests because it whips up so fast and can be served warm. It doesn't need frosting or icing, but to dress it up for dessert: dust each slice with a little bit of icing sugar.

Tasty Tuna Melts

Tired of the same ol' lunch for the kids? Try these easy tummy pleasers! These are great as a snack on their own, for lunch with a bowl of tomato soup or a late night hunger-buster for growing teens!

3 English Muffins, split open (will equal 6 melts)

1 can of tuna, drained and mixed with mayonnaise or Miracle Whip dressing

3/4 cup shredded cheese (old cheese keeps the cheese flavour while baking) OR (processed slices cut in half diagonally)

Preheat oven: to 400 degrees

1. Place split English muffins on a baking sheet.

2. Spread a layer of tuna.

3. Top with shredded cheese (or triangle of processed cheese).

4. Bake until cheese melts.

Cheese will be hot, use caution when serving children.

Alternatives:

* Add hot pepper rings on top of tuna melt for a kick.
* Mix cheeses (mozzarella and cheddar)
* Add finely chopped onions, garlic or other tuna add-ins.