Dates are a healthy snack or dessert idea and stuffed with peanut butter are delicious on the go snacks for kids and adults. Because of their natural sweetness, dates are known as “nature’s candies.” Medjool dates are ideal for this recipe because of their size and plumpness. You can use creamy or crunchy peanut butter, or another butter like almond butter. They are made of only 3 ingredients: dates, peanut butter (or other nut/seed butter), and pecans. They are impressive to serve at a get-together but are extrememly easy to make.
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Easy Black Bean Dip
Beans are great. They’re delicious, filling and packed with good-for-you nutrients like vitamins, fiber and protein. Black beans are among the most frequently consumed legumes around the world. They’re considered nutritional powerhouses that are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants that help manage blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels. They retain their shape and texture well, so they’re perfect to use in stews, soups, dips, and salads. You can use canned drained beans to cut down on cooking time, but you’ll save money cooking your own using dried beans. Add flavor by simmering dried beans with an onion, garlic, herbs, or dried chiles. For this recipe, I would cook them until they’re very soft and almost falling apart. Drain them and allow them to cool slightly before you blend up the dip, and save the bean liquid. Use it instead of the water. For more information on the health benefits and instructions on cooking dried beans, see Health Benefits of Nutritious Beans.
There are two things I like to have in my refrigerator at all times – hummus and lemons or limes. In the past, I have shared several hummus recipes including Black Bean Hummus. I have several friends who cannot eat hummus because of the tahini (crushed sesame seeds). For those friends, I make black bean dip.
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Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup
Several years ago, I shared a comforting recipe for butternut squash soup which is a great, hearty soup for autumn through spring. Today I’m sharing a vegan variation of warm and filling butternut squash soup with a zesty curry/coconut flavor. It’s a decadent first course for fall and winter.
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Lemon White Bean Hummus
There are two things I like to have in my refrigerator at all times – hummus and lemons. Today I’m putting those two things together in a tasty hummus based on white beans, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice. I love fresh vegetables. I was lucky in my last food delivery that my carrots, celery, lettuce, grape tomatoes, and cucumbers were available. I’ll enjoy them while I can.
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Green Smoothie With Cucumber, Celery & Pear
If you have trouble eating enough vegetables, try making a green smoothie filled with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Today’s smoothie has 6 ingredients: nutrient dense greens, lemon juice, freshly grated ginger, pear, celery, and cucumber plus ice water or ice cubes. The vegetables provide chlorophyll and alkaline rich foods which increase red blood cell count, improve circulation, calm inflammation and oxygenate the body.
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Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
Need a great appetizer filled with fresh fruit flavor? How about a great fruity dessert? Fruit salsa with cinnamon chips is the perfect answer. Easy to make and loaded with the fruit of the season, fruit salsa is a great party food, dessert, or a snack. I’m basing my salsa on fresh strawberries with apples and raspberries. Can’t find raspberries? Try a tropical twist with crushed pineapple. Yum! You can also substitute with the fruit of the season – peaches, nectarines, grapes, the list never ends.
Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Sometimes the best things are just plain easy. For a fast and tasty side dish during the summer heat, try an easy Pineapple Cucumber Salad. It works well with a cookout or a sit-down dinner. Spend 5 to 10 minutes to throw it together. Chill it. Then devour it.
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Roasted Beets & Feta on Toast With Homemade Za’atar
Za’atar is an ancient blend of spices used throughout the Middle East. It is the King of spices for savory dishes, and it is available in many supermarkets. It is a mixture of ground wild thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, salt, marjoram and oregano. Like many old recipes, there are variations in the amounts and ingredients and disagreements on the “right” version. If you make your own, you can experiment with the combinations to find the perfect spice blend for your palate. Start with small batches using the recipe below and use it with olive oil on toast. Don’t be afraid to play around until it’s just right for you. Sprinkle it on Greek yogurt and spread on toast. Good stuff. Sprinkle it on bread, dips, dressings, meat, vegetables, rice, potatoes, pasta, soups, and more. It will add to any savory dish.