YUMmus

Yesterday was a typical Sunday for us; we were up fairly early, walked the dogs, sipped coffee, flipped through the New York Times then attacked our list: painting, staining, building, fixing, cleaning, mowing, organizing, packing. There is a light..a working one...at the end of the tunnel, though! So, to decompress after a long-days work we strapped on our shoes and went for a run. Instead of relaxing, I was even more stressed out...far too much was jiggling above my belt. Then I realized, I live with an amazing cook. He makes delicious things and I eat every, single bite! After the run I decided, as much as I love her, I need a break from Ina Garten..and her Sun Dried Tomato (March 17th) and Green Herb Dips (February 25th)! They're yummy, but not good for my growing tummy! So, we decided to make a healthy, less fattening dip to accompany tonight's dinner. It's simple, fast, delicious and incredibly healthy! We found a great recipe in this months COOKS ILLUSTRATED.
TRIM YOUR BUMMUS WHILST EATING HUMMUS:
It's actually very easy to prepare and will last up to five days in your fridge!
3 Tablespoons juice from 1 to 2 lemons
1/4 cup water
6 Tablespoons tahini, stirred well
2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus a bit for drizzling)
1 (14 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, pinch cayenne
1 Tablespoon minced fresh cilantro or parsley leaves
Combine Lemon juice and water in small bowl or measuring cup. Whisk together tahini and 2 tablespoons oil in second small bowl or measuring cup. Set aside 2 tablespoons chickpeas for garnish. Process remaining ingredients in food processor until almost fully ground, about 15 seconds (twice as long if you don't have food processor). Add lemon juice-water mixture with machine running. Process for one minute then add oil-tahini mixture in steady stream until hummus is smooth and creamy, about 15 seconds. Drizzle with olive oil and serve.
TIME TO COMPLETE TASK: Five minutes
COST: Under $5
STRESS LEVEL: Less jiggle, bigger smile: LOW