Homemade Hummus

22. February 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Snacks, Uncategorized · Tags: , , , , , ,

Now that you have learned how to make Homemade Pita Chips from the last post, it’s time for you to unite the chips with their partner in crime: hummus.

Many people underestimate the wonders of hummus. Not only is it filled with nutrients; it also is inexpensive to make. The garbanzo beans in hummus have loads of protein and fiber. With a few ingredients this dip can be made to accompany pita chips, wraps, sandwiches, vegetables and salads.

Pita Chips and Hummus

Last week I tried out Doctor Hummus‘ Garlic Pita Chips and this week I purchased his Roasted Red Pepper Hummus from the Phoenix Public Market. The roasted red pepper flavor was nice, but I did not like the consistency of the hummus. I am sad to say I have not been impressed with Doctor Hummus’ pita chips and hummus. Maybe my expectations were just too high since he is called the “doctor” of hummus.

Doctor Hummus' Roasted Red Pepper Hummus at the Phoenix Public Market.

When you make your own hummus from scratch, it can be customized to fit your flavor cravings. Following the recipe below to make a classic flavor. Add roasted red pepper, spinach, pesto, artichoke hearts, black beans, sun-dried tomatoes, hot sauce or kalamata olives to make extra-delicious hummus. One optional flavor to add is Tahini, a sesame seed paste with a consistency similar to peanut butter. It can be purchased at the store, or even made at home. If you can’t find it, don’t worry about adding it!

Doctor Hummus' Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

To make hummus you will need a blender and food processor. (Yes, a Magic Bullet would work!) With a few flicks of the pulse button you will have a smooth, creamy dip.

Hummus is an important dish in Middle Eastern culture. This recipe is from my boyfriend’s Lebanese family. They make it for many occasions, and I can’t get enough of it!

Homemade Hummus

Ingredients

  • 1 15 oz can garbanzo beans, drained
  • 2 T tahini (find at Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, AJ’s)
  • 1/2 lemon, juice
  • 3 cloves garlic (more or less, to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp salt (more, to taste)
  • 1/4 C olive oil
  • Water, as needed

Directions

  1. Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender.
  2. Turn on puree and blend until smooth. If thinner consistency is desired, add cold water a little at a time.
  3. Put hummus in center of serving bowl. If desired, garnish dish with parsley.
  4. Store in the fridge for a daily snack or freeze for up to a month.

Homemade Pita Chips

15. February 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Downtown Phoenix Shops, Snacks · Tags: , , , , , ,

There are some foods that are soul mates. In my opinion, pita chips and hummus rank high on that list.

The crunch and heartiness of pita chips contrast a smooth spread like hummus, artichoke dip or salsa. As I was roaming at the Phoenix Public Market this week I found Doctor Hummus‘ pita chips, and immediately wondered what else I could dunk them in.

Doctor Hummus Pita Chips at the Phoenix Public Market

Doctor Hummus sells locally made pita chips, hummus and other spreads. The doctor of hummus himself, Sabeur Rouin, grew up with his father wanting him to become a doctor. After he discovered the culinary world, Rouin decided to become a “doctor” of flavor.

Doctor Hummus Pita Chips

Doctor Hummus offers several flavors of pita chips including Garlic, Plain and Cinnamon. I chose the Garlic kind and immediately enjoyed its subtle flavor. However, the chips themselves were quite oily and left my fingers as greasy as if I had eaten french fries — something I was not expecting from pita chips. The oiliness may have been due to garlic flavor. I will have to try the sweeter variety of pita chips to find out.

Doctor Hummus Garlic Pita Chips

This week if you would love to be adventurous in your own kitchen, instead of the marketplace, you can make homemade pita chips. All it takes are few simple steps and inexpensive ingredients. It will only take you about 15 minutes total. Bonus: You get bragging rights by adding the word “homemade” to your creation!

Homemade Pita Chips

Ingredients

  • 4 pitas, white or wheat (You can buy them locally at the Urban Grocery!)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Optional: garlic powder, sea salt, paprika, dried basil, finely chopped herbs, cinnamon and sugar, sesame seeds, or anything else you can imagine!
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Cut each pita into 8 triangles and place them on a baking sheet.
  3. Drizzle or brush the pitas with olive oil.
  4. Sprinkle with seasoning and toppings if desired. Toss the pitas to ensure even distribution.
  5. Bake in the oven for about 12-15, or until crispy and lightly golden. Flip the chips about half way through cooking to prevent burning.

If you are going for the sweeter version of pita chips, check out this helpful post about coating with cinnamon and sugar!

Stay tuned for next week’s follow up post giving you the scoop on Homemade Hummus. Plus, you’ll learn why I consider garbanzo beans to be one of the world’s super foods.

Tuna Melt on 9-Grain Bread

08. February 2012 · 1 comment · Categories: Lunch, Uncategorized · Tags: , , , , , , ,

Sometimes simple is best, especially when talking about bread. At the open-air markets across the valley, you will find a booth for the Bread Basket Bakery. Their breads range from specialty flavors like apricot orange to the basic honey wheat.

Bread Basket Bakery Bread

The taste difference between fresh, high quality bread and a loaf from the grocery store is more than noticeable. At the Bread Basket Bakery, all their products are made fresh daily with locally produced ingredients. Plus, their breads do not have any oil, fat, dairy or preservatives.

When I stopped by the Saturday market I sampled a variety of the Bread Basket products. The Whole Wheat Cinnamon Bread with Pecans is like taking a bite of a cinnamon roll. Imagine making French Toast with this. Yum! The Pumpkin Bread was another winner with rich seasoning and smooth flavor.

Bread Basket Bakery Samples

I bought a loaf of 9-Grain Bread, which is made with sunflower seeds, rye, barley, corn, millet, flax, oats and buckwheat. I love its density and texture. For about $4.75 I got 20 slices of bread and the bread will freeze for up to 3 months. If I can stand to eat this loaf of bread slowly it could last me until the end of the semester!

One morning for breakfast I toasted and topped the bread with peanut butter and Carol’s Pomegranate Jelly, which I also bought from the market. Two locally produced foods in one meal–yahoo!

Bread Basket Bakery Bread

For lunch or dinner, any kind of Bread Basket Bakery bread makes a great addition to a Tuna Melt. This is a simple and inexpensive college student dinner. I even got all of the ingredients from the convenience store on campus. Unfortunately I didn’t find any tomatoes, so I decided to see if Subway would graciously spare me a few slices. Guess what? They did!

Tuna Melt

Ingredients

  • 1 5oz. can or package of tuna, drained
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons shredded cheese
  • 2 slices of bread
  • Optional: Hot sauce, dijon mustard, relish, finely chopped celery or onion, tomato slices.
Ingredients for a Tuna Melt

Directions

Preheat the oven broiler. Toast two pieces of bread.

Toasting Bread Basket Bakery Bread

In a bowl, mix the tuna, mayonnaise, salt, pepper and any other mix-ins you would like to add!

Tuna Salad

 

Spread with the tuna salad on toast. Place tomato slices and top with shredded cheese.

Tuna Melt

Broil topped bread for 3 to 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted. I didn’t have a baking sheet so I just set it right on the oven rack!

Tuna Melt Broiling in Oven

You can top with a second piece of toasted bread, or just enjoy open faced like I did!

Gourmet Gab's Tuna Melt with 9-Grain Bread

Visit the Bread Basket Bakery’s booth at the open-air markets to pick up a loaf of bread for yourself. Or stop by their permanent location in Scottsdale to purchase baked goods or to enjoy a fresh deli sandwich with their bread.

Smeeks Candy Store

01. February 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Downtown Phoenix Shops, Holiday, Uncategorized · Tags: , , , , ,

February will get even sweeter after visiting Smeeks. When you walk through the doors of this red and turquoise candy shop you will feel like a little kid in a candy store … literally.

Smeeks has been the remedy for sweet tooths in Phoenix since 2009, and even won “Best Candy Store” from the Phoenix New Times in 2010. The shelves are lined with old-school candy bars, taffy, gum balls, chocolate and sour flavors. You’ll also find giant barrels full of taffy and other candies. Scoop your share into a red Chinese take-out box and take it home to enjoy.

Smeeks

Smeeks currently has a whole table dedicated to Valentine’s Day themed items. Just imagine flipping fresh Stuffed French Toast or Red Velvet pancakes with the strawberry or heart-shaped spatulas shown below. The L-O-V-E sparklers shown below would be dazzling atop cake or cupcakes! If you are looking for a gift for a sweetheart or friend, browse the options of giant Pixie Stix, lollipops and other treats.

Smeeks Valentines Day

An entire wall is dedicated to clever gadgets and gizmos. You’ll find yourself laughing as you browse the creative items. The “Ice Ice Baby” ice cube tray and the unicorn corkscrew were two of my favorites. Smeeks also has retro lunch boxes, magnets, household items and games.

Funny gadgets at Smeeks

Smeeks is located on the corner of Central Avenue and Camelback Road, just a short light rail ride from ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus. Follow the Smeeks blog to stay updated about the newest items and promotions.

smeeks photo booth

Start the month of February off right by treating yourself to something sweet at Smeeks! Don’t forget to take a snapshot in the photo booth when you stop by.

Pomegranate Jelly Stuffed French Toast

24. January 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Breakfast, Uncategorized · Tags: , , , , , , , ,

At the Open-Air market on Wednesday evenings you will find a table of Carol’s Delectables: jams, jellies, spreads, butters and marmalades all produced in Snowflake, Arizona. Carol and her husband decided to sell jars of spreads to friends years ago. Their goal was to raise enough money to take their moms to Europe. The success of their products lead to a permanent family business!

Carol's Delectable Jams and Jelly

Carol’s daughter Kim told me that their products are all handmade on their property in Snowflake. Most of the fruits and veggies are grown in their orchard!

Carol’s Delectables range in flavor from sweet to spicy. The jarred goods cost about $6.00. The money is well spent, because the spreads will add flavor to many meals. Use yours to top English muffins, stir into oatmeal or yogurt, and spread on crackers or bagels with cream cheese. The more savory flavors can even be used to flavor hamburgers or glaze meat.

I purchased the pomegranate jelly, and the first thing I made with it was Stuffed French Toast. It is perfect for a weekend brunch or divine as a breakfast-for-dinner.

Pomegranate Jelly

The pomegranate jelly I walked away with.

Stuffed French Toast

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf French Bread
  • 3 tablespoons jam or jelly (preferably some flavor of Carol’s Delectables!)
  • 4 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Directions

Cut bread into 2″ slices. Make a tiny slice in the middle of the bread and a pocket that goes 3/4 into the bread for the filling.

Cut bread in 2" slices with a pocket.

Crack your eggs and beat. Add milk, cinnamon and a pinch of salt.

Mix together the cream cheese (let it sit out for a bit to soften so it’s easier to stir) and jelly.

Carol's Delectable Pomegranate Jelly

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of cream cheese jelly mixture into the bread slices.

Stuffed French Toast with Carol's Delectables Pomegranate Jelly.

Heat a skillet on medium heat on the stove. Melt butter. (The more butter, the better. It will give a beautiful golden brown crust.)

Dip each side of bread into the egg batter mixture. Place egg-battered bread onto skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. Sprinkle more cinnamon on each side before it cooks, if desired. The outside of the toast should be golden brown and the egg mixture should be cooked through.

Stuffed French Toast

Stop by the Phoenix Public Market on Wednesday evening anytime from 4-8 pm and pick up some jam, jelly or spread for yourself. See you there!

Tomato Tomäto

18. January 2012 · 2 comments · Categories: Produce · Tags: , , , , , , ,

Every Wednesday the Phoenix Public Market holds an open-air market from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Last Wednesday I went to explore and while I was there I couldn’t take my eyes off One Windmill Farm‘s selection of tomatoes. The red, yellow, green and orange tomatoes came in all different shapes and sizes.

One Windmill Farm's tomatoes

Tomatoes are a prime ingredient to have in your kitchen because of their versatility. They are delicious on their own, but can also be added to other dishes. A handful of cherry tomatoes makes a healthy snack, or if you are looking to make a meal out of them, I recommend a simple salad.

Yellow Cherry Tomatoes

I believe there is a science behind making a nicely balanced salad. It is important to include a variety of textures–a little crunch and a little smooth. The smooth side of my salad this weekend came from butternut squash, avocado, feta cheese, and of course, the tomatoes. The crunch came from sweet orange and red peppers and spinach. Dried cranberries, nuts, crumbled bacon or croutons are a few toppings to consider for texture. When adding fruits and veggies, think about grapes, cucumbers, edamame or corn.

Balsamic Vinegar Salad Dressing

A salad dressing should do just what the name says–dress up the salad! It should enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients without drowning them. The combination of balsamic vinegar and seasonings in my Aunt Angela’s Balsamic Salad Dressing is light, but flavorful enough to wow your taste buds.

Balsamic Salad Dressing

Ingredients

  • 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of oregano
  • Pinch of cayenne
  • 1 teaspoon of Adobo*
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons of soy or tamari sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese

*Adobo is an all-purpose Latin seasoning you can find at the grocery store. You could also use 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of oregano and a pinch of black pepper instead.

Directions: Whisk or shake all ingredients together! Pour over salad. This recipe will make a big batch, so store it in a jar or airtight container and dress up your salads until it runs out!

Whether you make a salad in the cafeteria or at home this week, be adventurous with your combination of crunchy and smooth toppings. Also, don’t forget to explore the Open-Air Market on Wednesday evenings from 4-8pm to find unique fruits and veggies to jazz up a salad. I’ll see you there!

Let’s hear in the comment section what ingredients make a perfect salad for you.

Let’s Get Exploring

10. January 2012 · 6 comments · Categories: Uncategorized · Tags: ,

As you can see I get excited about baking. I get this excited about blogging, too!

Welcome to the first post of HERBan Explorer! My name is Gabriela Rodiles and I am thrilled to be a new blogger on the Downtown Devil team. You can read more about me on the About the Explorer page, but the bottom line is that I am obsessed with food and I love downtown Phoenix.

Whether you have some great new years resolutions or none at all, I have a proposition for you. I encourage you to visit HERBan Explorer once a week this semester. Bookmark this link and check it out when you need a little distraction from homework…I am positive you’ll need one!

Every week you will find a post about my adventures in the downtown Phoenix food scene. I am going to explore the markets, the grocery stores, the restaurants, the coffee shops and beyond. Basically, I will dig deep to highlight some simple and delicious ways for you to become more a part of the local food community.

HERBan Explorer will be a source of ideas for ASU students living in the dorms to supplement cafeteria food. With quick snack ideas, you will never find yourself hungry while studying late at night. Ever heard of brain food? It’s food that will give you studying superpowers. Many of the brain foods can be found right in your neighborhood. Stay tuned for details!

Students (and non-students) who are living off campus, this blog will highlight ingredients that you can purchase at local grocery stores and showcase corresponding recipes to incorporate in your daily meals.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let’s make it a scrumptious semester!