dip

recipes

Killer App: Smoked Mozzarella Spread

I've always chalked up my rare party planning to the fact that I get stressed easily trying to please a large group of people all at once.

Smoked Mozzarella SpreadI've always chalked up my rare party planning to the fact that I get stressed easily trying to please a large group of people all at once. But since I've discovered an increasing number of easy killer apps, I've begun to second-guess myself.

Case in point: this smoked mozzarella spread. It's meatless, mind-bogglingly easy, doesn't require cooking, and only calls for four ingredients. And with its smoked and sun-dried elements, this dip and spread appeals to both the brainy as well as the brawny.

With an appetizer like this one, I've got no excuse to, say, not throw a Super Bowl shindig. Get your easy app on when you read more.

recipes

Killer App: White Bean Dip

I often like to make my own chickpea spread, but lately I've been leaning heavily on another plant-based purée: white bean dip.

I often like to make my own chickpea spread, but lately I've been leaning heavily on another plant-based purée: white bean dip. With little more than canned beans and lemon juice, it's almost easier than hummus; there's no mess of transferring tahini paste into the blender.

This recipe, courtesy of our friends Cara and Phoebe, is the right blend of rusticity, thanks to the rosemary, lemon, and garlic. Depending on my mood, I'll play around with it, switching up the herbs, taking out the garlic, or adding a dash of lemon zest into the mix. Serve the wholesome dip with flatbreads or carrot sticks for a healthy, meat-free snack. For a simple everyday appetizer recipe, keep reading.

recipes

Old Fave, New Twist: Edamame Hummus

Hummus is one of my party-spread staples, but the beige-colored chickpea spread doesn't exactly brighten up a table.

Hummus is one of my party-spread staples, but the beige-colored chickpea spread doesn't exactly brighten up a table. For a fresh, green take on this Middle Eastern classic, swap out the blah-looking garbanzos for vibrant edamame and frozen peas.

Perked up by mint, cilantro, and plenty of garlic, the flavors will appeal to fans of traditional hummus without feeling too familiar. Serve it alongside endive, celery sticks, or pita for dipping or use the healthy vegan dip as a spread for sammies. The recipe makes a whopping six cups, so you'll have plenty for a party and then some.

Get the edamame hummus recipe now.

Appetizers

Savory Sight: Hummus

Does hummus make you happy?

Does hummus make you happy? It makes us happy and it makes CheesePlease happy, too.

After years of perfecting this recipe, I think this one is a winner! It is always a great idea to whip up a batch at the beginning of the week to have on hand for sandwich spreads, or when you need a low-calorie snack! Hummus makes me happy.

Find the recipe on her blog and don't forget to share your own food photos with us in the YumSugar Community.

Healthy Recipe

Snack Attack: Lower Fat Peanut Butter Raisin Spread

I used to be addicted to peanut butter.

I used to be addicted to peanut butter. I ate it on apples, on bread, on pretzels, on ice cream, and even straight-up on a spoon drizzled with a little honey. I thought it was OK to devour gobs and gobs of the peanut buttery goodness because it was made from all natural peanuts. Then I realized there are over 200 calories in a two-tablespoon serving. No wonder I was gaining weight way back in college.

If you're a huge fan of peanut butter, here's a healthier version you can spread on your crackers and bananas till your heart's delight. The consistency is smooth, yet a little chewy, and the flavor is phenomenal. Since it's made with peanut butter it's not low in calories or fat, but it's lower than regular peanut butter for sure. To see my simple recipe, keep reading.

Healthy Recipe

A FitSugar Reader Recipe: Butternut Squash "Hummus"

Here's a healthy dip that you can nosh on this weekend!

Here's a healthy dip that you can nosh on this weekend! FitSugar reader sprint2thetable posted this recipe for a butternut squash dip in our Healthy Recipe group.

Is a hummus without garbanzo beans still hummus? This recipe contains tahini. It has a hummus-like texture. It involves lemon and a little olive oil. Who cares — it is good and It's mine, so I'm deeming it worthy of the title "hummus."

Learn how to make this recipe after the break!

salads

Jazz Up Salads With Green Goddess Dressing

If eating healthier meals is on your agenda for 2011, start by incorporating more salads into your diet.

If eating healthier meals is on your agenda for 2011, start by incorporating more salads into your diet. Select fresh, in-season vegetables, fruits, and nuts and put together a salad that is full of colors, textures, and flavors. Skip the store-bought salad dressing and make your own green goddess dressing instead. This classic salad topping originated in San Francisco and has a base of herbs and anchovies. While many recipes use mayonnaise or sour cream to achieve a creamy texture, this one employs avocado and Greek yogurt. The best thing about this recipe is that the dressing can also be a dip. Pack it in a Tupperware with crudités and enjoy for lunch. Learn the technique.

healthy snacks

Snack Attack: Smoky Chipotle Hummus Dip

Are you fired up for the college football season to start?

Are you fired up for the college football season to start? You may sacrifice your voice rooting for the old team, but you shouldn't compromise your waistline. Instead of nachos dripping in cheese and sour cream, try this spicy chipotle twist on classic hummus dip that will have your taste buds cheering for more.
Ready to see the recipe and nutritional content?