hummus

This is the easiest thing to make ever!! I usually make a vat of it once a week for Jeff to take to work. I don't measure anymore, sorry. When Jeff and I were shopping the other day we were incredulous about how much it costs to by pre-made hummus, when this can be made for merely pennies a serving, and it tasted better, too. The making of this hummus has been greatly easier since the arrival of my dear friend, George Hamilton-Beech the food processor. (Yes, I name EVERYTHING!!)

To make a lot of hummus you will need:

2-3 cans drained garbanzo beans (chick peas).
I sometimes throw in a can of white beans to give it a smoother texture, especially now that its impossible to find Tahini anywhere

About a half a cup of Tahini- the kind I usually get is in a brown and orange can, the brand name escapes me but its either with peanut butter or Jewish food. Tahini is sesame paste, remember to stir it well, it has oil on top like when you buy natural peanut butter. For some reason there has been a problem getting Tahini lately- e-coli or something equally horrifying. Just use a can of white beans and extra olive oil and relax.

Juice of 1 lemon.
I like the acidity. One of the problems with pre-made hummus is that its super bland. Here is your chance!!

1-4 cloves of garlic
If you have a friend like George Hamilton you can just toss them in peeled and whole, but if you are using a crappy $10 blender like I used to have you might want to do some preliminary chopping. Garlic is great but no one wants a big raw chunk. Actually, i wouldn't mind, but I'm weird. Again, these are your tastes. We like garlic and it's good for you so I add alot

some salt.
Please Please Please buy a box of Mortons Kosher Salt and throw away your iodized salt shaker. I implore you. Its just as cheap and it tastes better. I keep a little orange bowl of salt on my stove to throw into things. It makes me feel good and professional, and the tactile experience of pinching salt like that is awesome. And really, that's part of what cooking is all about!! Use your senses, people!! Orange bowl!! crunchy white salt between your fingers!!! Cooking is fun!!

At this point turn on your blender/processor of choice. Drizzle in olive oil while machine is spinning until hummus reaches the consistency of your liking. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Simple!! If you want to make it fancier you can add:
-some cumin. I have been doing this. Yum.
-Roasted peppers. Its easy to roast them yourself, I'll tell you how later. This will impress people.
-sun dried tomatoes in oil. Add some of the oil as a replacement for some of the olive oil.
- Roasted garlic!!! Heaven!!
- Kalamata olives
- whatever else you think would be tasty.

When you are finished pack it away in Tupperware, or, if you are serving it now, pour it in a pretty bowl, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika and chopped parsley. Yes, even if its just for you and you are going to sit in front of the TV and eat it with your fingers in your bathrobe. An entry on garnishing and making things look pretty is forthcoming.