I had a couple of friends over to watch the Golden Globes last month. Nothing fancy, but I did have a few snacks. I made Giada‘s baked meatballs, fresh guacamole, hummus and bought chips, pita bread and vegetables for dipping. All finger food and all easily made. So for your next viewing party check out these yummy recipes to impress your friends.
Last fall my mom shared her hummus-babaganoush recipe with us, but for the party I made regular hummus. It’s much simpler and quicker than making the babaganoush recipe. The great thing about hummus is it can be used as a vegetable, bread or cracker dip or a sandwich spread. The hummus went great with the meatballs too!
Hummus Ingredients L-R: Tahini, Ground Cumin, Lemon, Garbanzo Beans, Garlic, Pepper and Salt, Olive Oil
HUMMUS (small batch)
- 1 Can Garbanzo Beans
- 2 to 3 Garlic Cloves
- 1/2 Lemon
- 1 to 2 Tbsp Tahini
- 1/2 Tsp Salt and Pepper
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Cumin
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
- Paprika for Taste (optional)
Peel your garlic cloves and add into your food processor or blender along with juice of your lemon, the salt, pepper, ground cumin, tahini and half of your olive oil. Blend well.
Squeezing fresh lemon juice with a hand juicer.
Tahini, garlic, oil and spices ready for mixing.
Open your garbanzo beans and rinse, then add into your mixture and pulse until well mixed and at your desired consistency. If it seems a little dry add in more olive a tablespoon at a time. Taste after mixing and add in more of any of your spices or tahini as your taste buds desire.
Rinsed garbanzo beans
I like chunky hummus, just the way my mom makes it.
Once it’s at your desired taste and consistency transfer to either a bowl to serve immediately, or to Tupperware to store in the fridge. Be sure to pour more good quality olive oil on the top. Enjoy with bread, chips, vegetables, whatever your heart desires.
Hummus ready for eating or storing!
The meatballs were easy and I’ve actually made them before with spaghetti. Giada has you use 3 different meats, but to save some money I just used ground beef. I also used bread crumbs instead of corn flakes. Once they were done baking I tossed them with a little bit of Worcestershire sauce. We ate them alone and stuffed them in the pita bread with some hummus.
Ready for the oven
Fresh from the oven and still sizzling!
Ready to eat! Yum!
Acting Like A Chef 