Fun with a Food processor

I FINALLY got a new food processor! Ever since my dad started his garden I realized so many fresh things I wanted to make all required high speed blending. Here's what I made today:

Fresh hummus dip with capers!

you'll need:

• 1 can organic garbanzo beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup capers
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• salt & pepper to taste

*You just have to blend them all together. For those of you who have never used a food processor (like me) I learned today that you need to put the liquid first with the hardest ingredients. In this case, blend the garlic, olive oil, and pine nuts first. Next, slowly add the beans, capers, and lemon juice. You might have to add a little more olive oil depending on what kind of consistency you like. If this recipe doesn't suit you, just google one you might like (traditional hummus calls for tahini but since i didn't have any, i just made this version instead) 

Basil Pesto sauce!

My dad planted basil and it grows like wild fire, it's wonderful! you'll need:

• 2 cups packed basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 fresh grated pecorino romano (or parmesan)
• 2 cloves garlic

Personally, I like the pecorino more than parmesan because it has such a light fruity flavor that goes so well with the olive oil. Parmesan cheese has a nuttier savory flavor that also pairs well with the pine nuts so it's up to you which you prefer, but they're very very similar.

Then just poor the sauce over cooked pasta, add a little sun-dried tomatoes.

Although this sauce is a lot healthier than most tomatoes sauces and all creamy, cheesy sauces you definitely want to be aware of the olive oil. Also, if you want to make it more nutritious and just as delicious; use 1 cup of spinach leaves and 1 cup of basil. You won't even taste the difference =]

Here are the sun-dried tomatoes i love- very quick and easy!

Brand: California Sun Dry