Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: Letter H

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Eat More: Hummus Amongus! If I told you this was a healthy alternative to chip dip, would you believe me? It’s true. The difference is hummus is made from chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans. They are rich in protein and provide daily fiber. Their smooth texture feels buttery in the mouth leaving a slightly nut-like aftertaste. By adding lemon and spices, it’s the perfect partner for pita chips and fresh vegetables. Go ahead, indulge!
HUMMUS AMONGUS
Ingredients:

1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans, drained

1/2 cup tahini paste

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon cumin powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon pimento, diced

1 teaspoon lemon olive oil
Instructions:

Using a food processor, pulse garbanzo beans until smooth. Add tahini paste, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin powder, and salt. Process until mixed. Transfer hummus to a shallow bowl. Drizzle with lemon olive oil. Garnish with diced pimento. Serve with fresh crudités. 

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet; Letter X

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? All the Buzz: X-ceptional Sesame Slaw! Get set for a roller coaster ride of flavor. Asian-style coleslaw is a lighter alternative for your next potluck or picnic outing. No mayo! It has a distinct taste of pineapple, ginger, sesame, and soy with just a slight kick of red pepper. The recipe has some shortcuts so you can leave the kitchen behind and get on with summertime fun. Throw it together in a flash and watch it become a crowd-pleaser. 
X-CEPTIONAL SESAME SLAW
Ingredients:

16 ounces cole slaw mix, green cabbage and carrots 

3 green onions, snipped

1 cup Sesame Asian dressing

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil

2 teaspoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sriracha hot sauce

1/4 cup almonds, sliced

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions:

Combine cole slaw mix and green onions into a large bowl. Whisk together Sesame Asian dressing, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sriracha hot sauce. Toss cabbage/carrots mixture with dressing to coat. Cover and chill one hour. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and almond slices over all before serving.  

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet; Letter A

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Home Cooking: Asian Noodle Salad! Not only does this dish make a stunning presentation of color, it also boasts a crunchy taste of the Orient. The sesame and ginger dressing is so yummy, you’ll find yourself making excuses to eat this salad every week. 
ASIAN NOODLE SALAD
Ingredients:

1 package ramen noodle soup mix, any flavor

1/4 cup butter

1/2 cup almonds, sliced

1 pound of shredded broccoli and carrot slaw mix

3/4 cup roasted Cardini’s Gourmet Asian Sesame Dressing

2 green onions, sliced
Instructions:

Melt butter in a medium skillet over low heat. Remove noodles from soup mix. Discard seasoning mix. Break up uncooked noodles. Add to the skillet, along with the almonds. Stir to combine and brown until slightly toasted and brown. Do not burn. Remove from heat. In a large bowl add broccoli/carrot slaw and the noodle/almond mixture. Pour salad dressing over all and toss until combined. Garnish with green onion snips. Serve immediately. Leftovers may be refrigerated but the noodles will lose their crunch.