"Spread" the word

Weekends are usually lazy cooking days for me, I don't always feel like making a big dish or even spend more than 10 minutes in the kitchen: weekends were invented to relax and have some family time! But that does not mean we cannot have some yummy dish to enjoy. 

We are big fans of spreads and sauces, they are so versatile and great on pretty much all kinds on bread, crackers and pitas, but you can also eat them with some raw veggie sticks. They are great for luck or snacks but if you make a quick salad you have dinner!!

Here are some of our favorites, enjoy!!

Feta-Walnut Spread


This is a typical feta cheese spread combination of flavors but it remains one of the favorites at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups walnuts
• 2 cups feta crumbled 
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon basil chopped (can also use cilantro)
• cayenne pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a food processor, grind the walnuts. Add the crumbled feta, basil and the olive oil  and mix until a smooth paste forms. If it is too thick, add the water now, slowly until a smooth paste forms. 
2. The spread shouldn’t be too thick, nor too thin, so add the water slowly. You may need more than 1/4 cup. 
3. Add the cayenne pepper. Mix well.

Spicy Feta Spread


As a good mexican I wanted to try something with a little bit of punch in it and this turned out to be really tasty and spicy, just like I like my food!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups feta crumbled
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 2 peperoncini chopped

Directions:

1. Mix feta, yogurt, vinegar, pepper and peperoncini in a food processor until smooth.
2. Slowly add the olive oil until all is mix and smooth (you might not have to use all the oil).
3. Spoon into serving bowl and sprinkle with pepper flakes.

Garlic-Sun dried tomatoes Feta Spread

Ingredients:

• 2 cups feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 garlic cloves crushed
• 2 tablespoon chopped oregano
• 2 tablespoon sun dried tomatoes chopped
• cayenne pepper and oregano leaves for garnish

Directions:

1. Mix together in a food processor the feta, garlic, tomatoes and chopped oregano, until it becomes smooth. 
2. Sprinkle with oregano leaves and pepper. 

Crack Dip (cheddar-bacon dip)


I came across this recipe on pinterest and I knew I had to give it a try, anything with bacon in it has me and this lived to my expectations. I found it a bit runny so I added more cheddar and it was great!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cup Ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup  bacon bits or baked bacon chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
2. Serve with chips and/or veggies

Hummus

This is one of my all time favorites, I just love hummus, I can eat it just with a simple spoon, no need for veggies, pretzel sticks or pita bread!!

Original hummus:

• 2 garlic cloves, mashed
• 2 cans garbanzo beans (chickpeas) drained and rinsed
• 2/3 cup tahini (sesame seed pasta)preferably roasted one
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Chopped parsley, paprika powder and pine nuts for garnish

Directions:

1. Combine the garlic, garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon juice, water and olive oil in a food processor and mix until smooth.
2. Add salt little by little to taste.
3. Spoon into serving bowl and sprinkle with the pine nuts, parsley and a bit of paprika powder.

Creamy  hummus

This is a slightly variation of the original hummus, the greek yogurt makes it a bit creamier and soft.

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can garbanzo beans drained and washed (save a couple of tablespoons of the liquid)
• 1 tablespoon greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika powder
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. On a hot pan roast the sesame seed until they become golden brown, set aside
2. Mix in a food processor the garbanzo beans (with the separated liquid), garlic, sesame seeds, yogurt and half of the olive oil and mix until smooth.
3. Add the lemon and mix once more.
4. Bring to taste with the sugar, salt, paprika and cayenne pepper.
5. Spoon into serving bowl and add the remaining oil and sprinkle with the parsley.

Peanut Butter Dip

This is great for kids but PB addicts like myself love it too! You can serve it with slices of apple, bananas, strawberries, pear or some pretzels.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Mix all the ingredients and serve.