Stepping foot into the world of culinary skill may be intimidating, especially for the novice high-schooler. Do not fear, for recipes exist that do not require extensive steps or the watchful eye of an experienced cook. These recipes are tailored for the amateur chef to create at home.  Share hummus with veggies or a Chex-mix inspired snack with your guests, or perhaps the host. Impress and entice hungry relatives and friends by making one– or both!– appetizers for a Superbowl party or year ‘round!   

Hummus (Perfect for a Veggie Platter!)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Yield: About 3 Cups

Hummus is a delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dish that is traditionally comprised of chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, tahini (ground sesame paste), garlic, salt and lemon juice. Commonly served with pita bread or a variety of vegetables like carrots, peppers and cucumbers, it is an appetizing addition to any celebration!

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of chickpeas (15 oz), rinsed and drained
• ½ cup of tahini (you will likely find jar of tahini at your local supermarket, in the condiments aisle)
• 1 lemon, squeezed (about 1⁄4 cup)
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped and mashed
• ½ cup of water
• Table salt

Note: You will need access to a food processor.

Directions: 

1. Combine the tahini and olive oil in your food processor. Pulse until smooth and creamy.
2. Add water, lemon juice, garlic, and chickpeas into the mixture. Pulse until a thick paste. You may continue to pulse the combination for a thinner texture, if preferred. Add salt to taste.

Note: Pay consideration to what you are serving the hummus with when adding salt. If you choose pita chips, like Stacy’s, be aware that is a salty snack, so proceed with caution.

1. To serve, spoon hummus into a bowl. Use it as a dip in a veggie platter or as a flavoral addition to pita bread, crackers, or chips. 

Homemade hummus lasts around 4-5 days– please keep refrigerated!

Snack Mix

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes

Yield: 11-12 Cups, about 12 servings

The effortless party favorite, a Chex-inspired snack mix, is certain to satiate the palate of all guests. Be creative with this, if you choose, and make your own tasty combinations!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of corn Chex cereal*
• 2 cups of rice Chex cereal*
• 2 cups of wheat Chex cereal*
• 2 cups of savory crisps (Suggestion: Bagel Chips, Rye Chips, or Pretzel Chips)
• 2 cups of pretzels (Suggestion: Rold Gold Tiny Twists or Sticks)
• 1 cup of sesame sticks 
• Optional: 1 cup of mixed nuts (Suggestion: Almonds and Cashews)
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons of seasoned salt (Suggestion: Lawry’s Seasoned Salt)
• 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 6 tablespoons of butter

* Any other brands will suffice! On another note, you do not need one of each kind of cereal, although it will add more flavor. Choose whatever you like best!

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the cereal, crisps, pretzels, sesame sticks, and nuts.
2. In a separate bowl, microwave butter until melted. Once liquified, stir in all seasonings.
3. Pour butter mixture over the mix and combine evenly.
4. Microwave on high for about 6 minutes, stirring intermittently every 2 minutes.
5. Spread mixture onto paper towels and allow it to cool. Once cool, move the mix into a separate container or bowl to serve. 

Note: When using a microwave, always ensure that your bowls are microwavable!

Alternative:

After following steps 1 and 3, you can line a baking sheet with parchment paper and cook in an oven preheated at 250 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Follow step 5.