Lemon Garlic Hummus

I first had hummus when Hubby and I were on our honeymoon. I thought it was "different" back then but have since come to love it. Even most of my kids gobble it up.

This recipe is a modified version of one I found. The original had 3/4 c oil and 3 Tbsp lemon juice ... That was WAY to tart and runny for my taste, so I played with the recipe to come up with this version that I think is just right.

My favorite thing to eat with this is pita chips, but we usually end up eating it with pretzels. A friend suggested Wheat Thins. I think we may have to try that!

1/2 c extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 1/2 - 2 minced garlic cloves (I use 2 heaping tsp minced garlic from a jar.)
1/2 tsp salt, optional
1 15 oz can chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained

Put first 5 ingredients in blender or food processor. Add about half the chickpeas and process til smooth. Add rest of chickpeas and process til smooth. Transfer to small bowl. Store in fridge. Makes 1 1/2 - 2 c.

Chili Dip

I made and served this dip at our New Year's party to ring in 2009. It was a hit! It's a good thing I'd doubled the recipe!

1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 can (15 oz) chili with meat (with or without beans, your choice)
1/2 c salsa
1 c (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
tortilla chips or Frito Scoops

Spread the cream cheese in an 8" square baking dish. In a bowl, mix together chili and salsa; spread over cream cheese. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 min or til cheese is melted and dip is warm. Serve with tortilla chips or Frito Scoops. Makes 8 servings.

Pumpkin Pie Dip

(This recipe is from the Quick Cooking 2006 cookbook.)

1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 c powdered sugar
1 c canned pumpkin*
1/2 c sour cream
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp ground ginger
gingersnap cookies

In a lg mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar til smooth. Gradually add the pumpkin, sour cream, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and ginger; beat til smooth. Serve with gingersnaps. Refrigerate leftovers. Makes 4 c.

*I use 1 c cooked pumpkin.