1 19-oz (540-ml) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
3 garlic cloves
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
In a food processor, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Makes approx. 2 cups.
BETTY’S SALSA
Sarah, here is a recipe that my roommate whips up for parties. It’s very good served with tortilla chips . . . party on down. – Wolffie, Davie, FL
1 small red onion, roughly chopped
1 4-oz (133-g) can diced green chilies (you decide heat)
1 tsp celery seed
2 large tomatoes, seeds and juice removed
In a food processor, blend the onions, chilies, cilantro, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add the seeded tomatoes and pulse until roughly chopped. Makes approx. 2 cups.
FISH - FRIENDLY TAPENADE
Traditionally, tapenade is a thick paste made from capers, anchovies, olives, seasonings, and sometimes small pieces of tuna . . . but fish are our friends, not food. So try this cruelty-free version spread over some nice crusty bread or crackers and enjoy.
1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
4 - 6 sun-dried tomatoes
1 tbsp oil (e.g. olive, flax, hemp)
In a food processor, blend together all ingredients and serve. Makes approx. 1 cup.
SNACKS
VESANTO’S CHOCO - CURRANT CRANBERRY SQUARES
Here’s a tasty recipe from the Food Allergy Survival Guide by V. Melina, J. Stepaniak, and D. Aronson. This book shows how adults and children can be well-nourished despite food sensitivities, and provides recipes that are entirely free of the major allergens: dairy products, eggs, gluten, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, yeast, fish, shellfish, and wheat. It clarifies links between diet and conditions such as arthritis, asthma, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), candida, depression, dermatitis, digestive disorders, fatigue, and headaches. These squares are an ideal combination of dried fruit, chocolate, and cereal that you can stir together in minutes. Vesanto Melina is one of my all-time favorite people; her books are so helpful and chock full of information. Due to my chocolate intolerance, I made this recipe with
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Lightly oil a 4x9-inch loaf pan. Set aside. In a large pot, stir together the syrup, nut butter, and chocolate on medium-low heat until melted; stir often to prevent burning. Once evenly melted and mixed, remove from heat and add the currants, cranberries and cereals; mix together until well coated. With damp hands, press mixture firmly and evenly into loaf pan and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set. Makes 8 squares.
FRUIT DIPPING SAUCE
This sauce is great for dipping sliced apples or orange wedges or for pouring over your fruit salad. I promise that if you try it, you’ll never be sad, you’ll grow taller, be stronger, be smarter and . . . um . . . rich! OK, maybe I’m fibbing a little, but this dip is wicked awesome.
1 12-oz (300-g) pkg soft or silken tofu
In a food processor, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Makes approx. 1
DANICA’S POPCORN BALLS
My forbidden popcorn recipe, stolen from my mom. But hey . . . it’s still good! And seriously, don’t forget to dip your hands in cold water when shaping the balls; it makes all the difference in the world. This recipe is a little messy but keep in mind, messy is good. Just don’t get any in your hair. Trust me. – Danica, Victoria, BC (I like to use an air popper to make my popcorn, but do your popcorn the way you like it best. You may find that the sauce outweighs the amount of popcorn you