Tahini

(to use in Hummus)

1 cup sesame seeds

1/3-1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/4 tsp sesame seed oil

pinch kosher salt

Oven at 350 degrees, bake seeds for 5-10 minutes, tossing occasionally

After seeds are cooled, add the oils and seeds to the food processor and pulse to achieve desired consistency.

Hummus

Ingredients:

2 cups garbanzo beans - drained - reserve liquid

1/3 c tahini

1/4 c lemon juice

1 tsp salt

2 cloves garlic

1 Tbsp olive oil

Dress with:

a pinch of paprika

1 tsp fresh parsley

Directions:

Put all ingredients in food processor, pulse and add lemon juice or oil to achieve desired consistency.

Serve with homemade baked pita chips

Spicy Salsa

Ingredients

2 (14.5 oz) cans stewed tomatoes (or I used tomatoes from my garden and stewed those)

-side note: make sure to get rid of all the juice and seeds, or the consistency might be too thin

1/2 onion, finely diced

2 cloves of garlic

1/2 lime, juiced

1 teaspoon salt

fresh cracked pepper to taste

3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

3/4 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

3/4 teaspoon chili powder

1 Tbsp Sriracha (or other hot chili sauce)

2 fresh jalepenos, chopped and seeded

3 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (I omitted this and it was delish!)

Directions
Place all ingredients into the food processor and pulse until you reach desired consistency.

Broccoli Salad

1 head broccoli (cut into bite-sized pieces)

6-8 slices bacon - turkey bacon works too (cooked and crumbled)

1/2 cup chopped red onion

1/2 cup golden raisins

8 oz sharp cheddar chunks (your preferred size)

1 cup mayo (not Miracle Whip)

1/2 c halved cherry tomatoes

2 Tbsp. white vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

salt and pepper to taste

Make dressing with vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper and toss over all ingredients. When well-coated, refrigerate or serve immediately.