Tag: Pesto

Appetizers, Brunch, Holiday Favorites, Lunch

Charcuterie Made Simple

Irma Crepps

We love to graze, right?? Try this low-carb charcuterie board that is colorful, delicious and oh so easy to assemble. Graze away folks!

Charcuterie Made Simple

Print Recipe
Charcuteries are easy, make-ahead appetizers for any party. With a variety of items, everyone can find something they love to enjoy on the board. Make it colorful with items you love. Get creative! Photos below are from several I have made. I keep it low-carb with items I choose. Start grazing and sharing.
Course Appetizer, Brunch, Holidays, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword Agave Nectar, Berries, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Crackers, Cream cheese, Cured Meats, Dried Fruit, Goat Cheese, Grapes, Hummus, Nuts, Pesto, Pickles
Prep Time 30 minutes
Servings 10

Equipment

  • 2 Wooden Cutting Boards End to end to make one extra long board
  • Sharp knife
  • Cheese Knives
  • Small Serving Forks and Spoons
  • Small bowls

Ingredients

  • 1 Bunch of Grapes I usually place this in center to add height. Any kind works.
  • 3-4 Cheeses A nice wedge of cheddar, a tangy cheese such as a blue, and a soft cheese like Boursin. You can include a small wheel of Brie or a log of goat cheese. Think of different shapes.
  • 2 Types of Crackers I like to add low-carb options like Whole Foods Seeded Crisps or Norwegian Crispbread at Trader Joe's. Look for different textures.
  • ½ Toasted baguette Cut super thin and top with a drizzle of olive oil.
  • 3 Cured Meats I prefer Italian meats such as salami , pancetta, and prosciutto.
  • 3 Dried Fruits I like figs, dates, dried cherries, and raisins.
  • 3 Fresh Fruits I like apple wedges, berries, oranges, and kiwis
  • 3 Nuts I like Marcona almonds, roasted pistachios, and walnuts. Any mixture will work.
  • 1 Tbsp Agave Nectar or Honey
  • ½ Cup Olives and / or Cornichon Pickles Any pickle you like.
  • Balsamic Vinegar or syrup
  • ½ Cup Pesto
  • ½ Cup Hummus
  • ½ Cup All Fruit Strawberry Preserves Or your favorite jam.
  • 2 Tsps Lemon Juice
  • ½ Cup Chocolate Covered Nuts Optional but everyone loves a little chocolate! Skinny Dipped brand is low in carbs
  • 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil EVOO

Instructions

  • Gather all your ingredients / tools to assemble boards.
  • Center grapes in the middle of the boards.
  • Place cheeses near 3 corners like anchors. For added taste and color, top each cheese with either 1) a balsamic drizzle, 2) jam mixed with lemon juice or 3)nuts with a drizzle of Agave. This last one is yummy on brie.
  • Add cured meats near cheeses. Roll into logs with or without cheese, or fold into triangles to give texture and height.
  • Fan crackers and toasts near the sides.
  • Spoon hummus and pesto into 2 small bowls and place on boards.
  • The fun part is getting creative by sprinkling any or all of the remaining ingredients. There is no right or wrong here folks. The deli/specialty areas of your grocer will have even more ideas to add.
  • The crazy part for me is trying to fit everything I want on the boards! It's okay to crowd and layer ingredients. This really adds interesting flavors together. Drizzle with EVOO before serving. Graze away!
Appetizers, Lunch, Snacks

Hummus Yummus 3 Ways

Irma Crepps

This basic hummus recipe was shared by my fun friend Lisa at least 15 years ago. Although I’ve tweaked it over the years, I’m still making it and still loving it! So creamy and full of flavor, you will make it again and again as well. So quick and so easy!!  Freezes for up to 2 months.

Hummus Yummus 3 Ways

Print Recipe
Approximately 12 Carbs in 2 Tablespoons
Course Appetizer, Brunch, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine American, Italian, Mexican
Keyword Garbanzo Beans, Garlic, Hummus, Lemon, Pesto, Pine Nuts, Red Roasted Peppers, Roasted Pistachios
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Sharp knife
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • 3 Small bowls If making all three versions.
  • cutting board

Ingredients

  • 2 Cans Organic Garbanzo Beans Plus water from one can only
  • Juice from 1 Lemon
  • 3 Garlic Cloves, rough chopped
  • ½ Cup Tahini Sesame Paste It may separate like natural peanut butter, so stir from the bottom of container before adding
  • 3 Tbsp Cumin
  • 2 Tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 Tsp Black Pepper
  • 6 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (evoo) Divided
  • ¼ Cup Roasted Red Peppers I buy jars of these! Reserve 1 teaspoon to garnish
  • 1 Tbsp Chipotle in Adobo Sauce Use one pepper, remove seeds, and add some of the canned liquid. Add more if you like it really spicy!
  • 2 Tbsp Cilantro Reserve 1 teaspoon to garnish
  • 1 Tsp Roasted Pistachios
  • ½ Cup Pesto
  • 2 Tbsp Parsley Reserve 1 teaspoon to garnish
  • 2 Tsp Pine Nuts

Instructions

  • Gather all tools for the trade: all equipment and ingredients to save you time.
  • Add 2 cans of garbanzo beans and the liquid from only one can to food processor.
  • Add lemon juice, garlic, tahini paste, cumin, salt, pepper, and 3 tbsp evoo to food processor. Mix until you reach a smooth consistency, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Add 2-3 tbsp of water if mixture is too thick.
  • Scoop out ⅔ of mixture into two bowls for: 1) basic hummus yummus, and 2) herby hummus. The remaining hummus in food processor is for spicy pepper hummus. You can make all three, or just the basic hummus.
  • Basic Hummus Yummus: Drizzle the mixture in first bowl with evoo. Garnish with reserved cilantro and 1 tsp pine nuts.
  • Spicy Pepper Hummus: To remaining mixture in food processor, add roasted red peppers, chipotle pepper (plus 1-2 tsp canned liquid), and 1 tbsp cilantro. Mix well and remove to a second bowl. Drizzle with evoo. Garnish with reserved cilantro and pistachios.
  • Rinse food processor.
  • Herby Hummus: Add third bowl of mixture, pesto, and parsley to food processor. Mix well. Return to third bowl. Drizzle with evoo. Garnish with reserved parsley and pine nuts.
  • Serve with chips, crackers, avocado slices, and cut veggies. Yummmm!