Green Herb Hummus

For the written recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/green-herb-hummus-recipe2/index.html

Video: http://www.foodnetwork.com/conscious-cooking-healthy-and-fast/package/index.html

My sister in law makes a mean batch of hummus. I still haven't been able to quite duplicate yet (must be that Persian love she puts in it)! However this one looks great and maybe I can actually make it taste good! I'm sure all those fresh herbs are an awesome addition! Hummus is such a great, healthy alternative to other types of dips and can be a great way to help you get in extra veggies. Just have some with bell peppers, cucumbers (my favorite), carrots...or whatever veggies you'd like. Try some whole wheat pita chips with it too. Yummy!

Ingredients
•1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
•1 clove garlic
•2 tablespoons tahini
•1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
•6 fresh basil leaves
•1 medium scallion, chopped
•1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
•1 teaspoon honey
•1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
•1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
•1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
•1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
•Options for dipping: carrot sticks, sliced cucumber and whole-wheat pita chips
Directions
Place ingredients in a food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse until smooth.

Serve with dippers.

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Bars

For the written recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/oatmeal-peanut-butter-energy-bars-recipe2/index.html

Video: http://www.foodnetwork.com/conscious-cooking-healthy-and-fast/package/index.html


Ok I'll be honest, I'm not sure about this one. Everything sounds great until it comes to the dried apricots and figs. However... I'm up for trying anything. If they're good and Rylee likes them - then they're a great snack for her (and me)! But...we'll see. If you try it out, let me know how you like it!

Ingredients
•Cooking spray
•1/2 cup honey
•1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
•2 tablespoons maple syrup
•1 tablespoon canola oil
•1/4 cup light brown sugar
•1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•2 cups rolled oats
•2 cups crisp brown rice cereal
•1/4 cup toasted wheat germ
•1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts
•1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
•1/2 cup chopped dried figs
•1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions
Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, peanut butter, maple syrup, canola oil, brown sugar, cinnamon. Stir and cook until mixture just begins to bubble, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

In a large bowl, combine oats, rice cereal, wheat germ, peanuts, apricots, figs and salt.

Pour peanut butter mixture over oatmeal mixture and stir gently with a spatula until well combined. Transfer to baking dish, cover with parchment paper and press firmly into dish. Allow to cool completely (will cool faster in the refrigerator). Cut into squares or bars.


Nutrition analysis per serving:
Calories: 240

Total fat: 10g

Saturated fat: 1.5g

Carbohydrate: 30g

Protein: 6g

Sodium: 70mg