Hummus Layer Dip

Hummus Layer Dip, lemon scented hummus loaded with fresh veggies.   A healthy addition to any Super Bowl party!

Hummus Layer Dip, lemon scented hummus loaded with fresh veggies, a healthy addition to any Super Bowl party!

When you think about Super Bowl, healthy food doesn’t usually come to mind.  Wings, sliders, mini-hot dogs, spinach artichoke dip and cheese fries…diet disaster!  Try keeping it on the lighter side this year by including a few appetizers that are both delicious and guilt free!

I know this recipe isn’t all that original, but it is a tried and true crowd pleaser!  I made this recipe from Allrecipes.com before and it was loved by all.  This time around, I upped the veggie content by adding romaine lettuce and roasted red peppers.

 Hummus Layer Dip, lemon scented hummus loaded with fresh veggies. A healthy addition to any Super Bowl party!

Hummus Layer Dip
 
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Hummus Layer Dip, lemon scented hummus loaded with fresh veggies. A healthy addition to any Super Bowl party!
Author:
Recipe type: Appetizer
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 4 oz vegan cream cheese (or your favorite brand of cream cheese)
  • 10 oz tub of hummus (or homemade hummus)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasonings
  • 1 small head romaine lettuce, shredded
  • 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup olives, sliced
  • ¼ cup roasted red peppers, diced
  • 4 scallions, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Option: Add an additional layer of hummus to create a "glue," which will hold the dip together better! If you do, blend 8 oz. of vegan cream cheese, two 10 oz tubs of hummus, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of Italian seasonings.
    Instructions
    1. Add vegan cream cheese, hummus, lemon juice and Italian seasonings to a food processor and pulse until well combined. Spread on bottom of a glass trifle bowl or deep pie plate.
    2. Layer with remaining ingredients, add sesame seeds as a garnish.
    3. Serve with pita chips and cucumbers slices.
    4. Enjoy!

     Hummus Layer Dip, lemon scented hummus loaded with fresh veggies. A healthy addition to any Super Bowl party!

     For a gluten-free alternative, serve with sliced cucumbers!

    Update:  A reader suggested to add another layer of hummus to hold the dip together better and I totally agree with her!  And, while it sure does look pretty layered in a trifle bowl, it’s a little hard to scoop out with a chip.  Provide a serving spoon along side or arrange dip in a long, shallow cooking dish.

    Hummus Layer Dip, lemon scented hummus loaded with fresh veggies. A healthy addition to any Super Bowl party!

    Helpful Hint:  Don’t show up to a party hungry!  This will only lead to over-eating and making unhealthy choices!  Instead, eat a protein packed, veggie filled meal before you arrive.  The fiber and protein will help to keep you full all evening long!  When at a party, munch on healthier choices such as veggie sticks, cut fruit, whole grain crackers and hummus.  Choose the items you want to indulge in and keep portion sizes to a minimum…think appetizer plate size, not supersize portions.  Bring a healthy dish with you so you know there will be something available for you to fill up on.  Also, stay hydrated!  Dehydration often masks itself as hunger.  Remember to drink water or sparkling water in between alcoholic beverages.

    Chocolate Sheet Cake

    Chocolate Sheet Cake…

    Gluten-free, vegan and topped with velvety chocolate frosting made from avocados!  There’s a secret ingredient to this one-bowl cake that makes it super fluffy without using eggs.  Can you guess what it is???

    Chocolate Sheet Cake, gluten-free, vegan and topped with velvety chocolate frosting made from avocados! There's a secret ingredient to this one-bowl cake that makes it super fluffy without using eggs. Can you guess what it is???

    I am a true believer that everything comes into your life at just the perfect time.  For instance, this amazing chocolate sheet cake.  This past week I didn’t want to “adult” any more.  One kid with pink eye, the other kid with a fever, sick husband, computer problems, house problems and zero sleep.  Let me tell you, the struggle has been real!  Just when I couldn’t take it any longer this chocolate sheet cake entered my life.  Now, I know I shouldn’t drown my first world problems in an ooey gooey chocolate cake, but sometimes it’s necessary!  (and any dietitian out there that says they never do it is lying, we’re all human!)  Just don’t make a habit of it :)

    Anyway, there is so much amazingness about this cake I don’t even know where to begin!  First, it’s gluten-free.  Second, it’s simple to make.  Dump all the ingredients in one bowl and stir…done and done!  Third, the chocolate frosting is made with avocados.  Yes, avocados!  Lastly, it’s vegan.  Instead of eggs I used aquafaba.  Aqua who?  Aquafaba, the brine from canned chickpeas.  (Don’t stop reading!)  I know it sounds weird, but this “juice” is the perfect egg replacement for vegan baking!

    “Aquafaba generally refers to the liquid in a can of chickpeas, and is a revolutionary new vegan egg replacer which can be used in recipes like meringues, confectionery, and baked goods. It’s probably in your pantry right now!”  www.aquafaba.com

    This month’s Recipe Redux asked us to share a recipe with an ingredient that we’ve been wanting to try out.  I’ve seen the world “aquafaba” floating around the web, but never really paid much mind to it.  I’m not sure why I haven’t tried it yet, but now it is my new favorite ingredient!  To replace one egg, use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba.  Don’t like the taste of chickpeas and afraid it will ruin your recipe?  Don’t worry, it doesn’t have the flavor of chickpeas, or any flavor at all!

    Chocolate Sheet Cake, gluten-free, vegan and topped with velvety chocolate frosting made from avocados! There's a secret ingredient to this one-bowl cake that makes it super fluffy without using eggs. Can you guess what it is???

    Recipe inspired by Dr. Axe

    Chocolate Sheet Cake
     
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    Chocolate Sheet Cake, gluten-free, vegan and topped with velvety chocolate frosting made from avocados! There's a secret ingredient to this one-bowl cake that makes it super fluffy without using eggs. Can you guess what it is???
    Author:
    Recipe type: Dessert
    Cuisine: Vegan
    Serves: 12
    Ingredients
    For Chocolate Sheet Cake:
    • 1 cup all-purpose gluten free flour
    • 1 cup oat flour
    • 2 cups coconut sugar
    • ¾ cup cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 cup soy milk (or milk of your choice)
    • ½ cup olive oil
    • 6 tablespoons aquafaba
    • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1 cup strong brewed coffee
    For Avocado Frosting:
    • 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
    • ½ cup cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
    • ½ cup maple syrup
    • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
    • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • pinch sea salt
    • ¼ cup powdered sugar (optional, depending on how sweet you like it!)
    Instructions
    To make Chocolate Sheet Cake:
    1. Grease or spray a 7x11 baking dish with all-natural cooking spray, set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. Add dry ingredients to a large bowl and stir. Add in wet ingredients and mix with a hand held mixer or stir by hand until light and fluffy.
    3. Pour batter into baking dish and cook for 30-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Note: Cooking times may vary depending on glass vs metal dish/pan and oven.
    4. Let cool.
    To make Avocado Frosting:
    1. Scoop out avocados, place in a food processor and puree. Add cacao powder, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla, sea salt and blend until well combined scraping down sides as needed. Option to add powdered sugar if needed.
    Frost cake, slice and enjoy!
      Nutrition Information
      Serving size: 1 Calories: 405 Fat: 17 Carbohydrates: 63 Sugar: 37 Fiber: 5 Protein: 5

       Chocolate Sheet Cake, gluten-free, vegan and topped with velvety chocolate frosting made from avocados! There's a secret ingredient to this one-bowl cake that makes it super fluffy without using eggs. Can you guess what it is???

      I love this cake.  

      Sometimes happiness is in the form of chocolate!

      Chocolate Sheet Cake, gluten-free, vegan and topped with velvety chocolate frosting made from avocados! There's a secret ingredient to this one-bowl cake that makes it super fluffy without using eggs. Can you guess what it is???

      Here’s to a happy weekend and a better start next week!

      Don’t forget to check out the other recipes from The Recipe Redux Crew!

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      Roasted Sweet Potato Tostadas

      Roasted Sweet Potato Tostadas

      Chili scented roasted sweet potatoes, smashed black beans, salsa and avocado served up on a crisp corn tortilla! No utensils needed making these tostadas the ultimate finger food…perfect for a New Year’s Eve Party!

       Roasted Sweet Potato Tostadas Chili scented roasted sweet potatoes, smashed black beans, salsa and avocado served up on a crisp corn tortilla! No utensils needed making these tostadas the ultimate finger food...perfect for a New Year's Eve Party!

      I love the combination of sweet potatoes, black beans and avocado. I use these three ingredients together at least once a week for my family’s meals. Something about this trifecta is super satisfying and easy to incorporate into so many recipes. Oh yea, and they are incredibly healthy for you! In fact, all three are on my “superfood” list and here’s why:

      Sweet Potatoes: Loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C and fiber, which can help with controlling glucose levels.

      Black Beans: Help lower cholesterol naturally due to their high fiber, antioxidants, folic acid and magnesium content.

      Avocados: An excellent source of monounsaturated fatty acids, which may combat inflammation in the body.

      For the recipe head over to my contributing post on the Real Housemom’s site by clicking here!

      For a vegan version forget the cheese!Roasted Sweet Potato Tostadas Chili scented roasted sweet potatoes, smashed black beans, salsa and avocado served up on a crisp corn tortilla! No utensils needed making these tostadas the ultimate finger food...perfect for a New Year's Eve Party!