Avocado Hummus

So I guess it's avocado month here on the blog. I hope you love them as much as I do, otherwise, sorry about that. I mentioned before that come summer the amount of guacamole I make must quadruple, and although I could never get sick of it, sometimes I don't always have a number of ripe avocados, nor do I feel like chopping, or consuming an entire bag of tortilla chips for that matter. And if you know me the slightest, you know I'm lost without hummus. Just like avocados, it's really great at bumping up the volume of most meals. Whether it's served on the side of a plate of grilled vegetables and garlicky grains, or thrown right into the mix, you're guaranteed some creamy deliciousness. It's nice to switch things up every once in a while, and instead of tossing your plate with some beans or lentils, why not make some gourmet hummus. The flavor profiles are endless, and a mix of textures is always a good thing in my book. 

I spotted avocado hummus a few years ago at Trader Joe's, and was pretty floored by such an ingenious creation. I've consumed numerous tubs of the stuff, but had never made my own - why is that always the case with me? I always have been one to come around at my own slow pace, but blending a can of chickpeas with an avocado is a no brainer. Hummus is creamy on its own, but throw in a buttery avocado, and you have real food magic on your hands. I'm somewhat addicted to lemon juice, so that's what I used here, but I know lime juice would also be wonderful. I also tend to add cumin to most avocado and/or Mexican based recipes, but I've left it out, and it's still just as tasty. A good amount of sea salt is essential here, but the spinach I might skip next time. I was going for a bright green color, and some added nutrients, but it sort of took away from the simple deliciousness of the avocado. 

Avocado Hummus

lemon or lime juice would work well here

15 oz can of chickpeas, drained + rinsed

1 ripe avocado

juice of 1 lemon (I used 1 1/2)

1-2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

1 tablespoon olive oil

handful of spinach

Peel the skins off of the chickpeas before beginning. I sometimes boil them for about 10 minutes to get them really soft, but it's not a must (warm hummus is pretty phenomenal though). Add all of your ingredients to a blender (I used my Nutri-Bullet), and give it a whirl. Taste for seasoning, and scoop away. If you want more of the avocado flavor to come through, I'd leave out the spinach. As I mentioned above, I was going for color and nutrition, but I've made it both with and without spinach, and I think I prefer it without. I've also left out the olive oil without any problems, and the chia seeds are just a superfood bonus, totally not necessary.  

Blueberry + Cucumber + Mint Super Smoothie

I'm a girl of habit. If I find something that works, I typically stick with it. Platforms are everything, yoga pants get me, coconut oil will change your life, and if my hair isn't in a top knot, you've caught me on an off day. I wish I could say those habits also included daily gym sessions, but for some reason I can't get that one to stick. I mean I'm no sloth. I'm good about getting some cardio in a few times a week, but I wish I could get a strength training routine down. I really just need to retire right about now-ish so I can live the quaintrelle lifestyle I was born to live. Working just gets in the way of everything I'd really love to be doing...waking up carefree, sipping a morning green juice, catching up on my favorite websites over my lemon tea, exercising my well rested body before taking down my usual breakfast smoothie...aaahhh the good life. Imagine waking up to a Saturday schedule everyday? I think I'd be really good at that. If I could just somehow transition from my current nanny status to stay-at-home wife/mom status I think I could realize my full potential.

"Hi. I'm Earth. Have we met?" Back to those habits. They most definitely include eating the same food day in, day out for months/years at a time. I go through food phases. I seriously don't get sick of anything (besides working). I know it's good to vary your diet and all, but honestly, when I come up with a new delicious meal, I look forward to eating it. every. day. You do you. I'll do me. And I'll throw in a multivitamin just to cover my bases.

Making smoothies has become somewhat of a routine for me. My sister thinks I've given up on solid food all together. I haven't. It's just an easy way to ensure I'm getting in the nutrients my body needs, and this blend is packed to the brim with all the good stuff. I've come up with some killer frozen drink combinations, but this one is pretty much how I start every day. If I'm fueling up before a workout, I usually top it with some raw chocolate granola. I use coconut water, but use whatever you like - regular old water works great too. I love adding mint to my smoothies, but if I'm all out, I'll throw in some cinnamon. I pretty much always add the blueberries, but I'll vary the cherry part with what I have in the freezer. Pineapple is another favorite. Half a banana is delicious. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries - all good. The coconut oil is a recent addition, but I find it really makes me feel more satisfied, not to mention how great it is for your overall health and wellbeing. After you measure some into your smoothie, slather some on your face, and get back to that housewife dreaming.

Blueberry + Cucumber + Mint Super Smoothie
If your blender is not very high-powered, try peeling your cucumber for a smoother drink
Makes 1 large smoothie

1 cup coconut water, almond milk, or liquid of choice 

1/2-3/4 cup frozen wild blueberries

1/2 cup frozen cherries

1/2 cucumber, unpeeled and diced

a few sprigs of mint

vanilla protein powder (I use this one)

1/2 tablespoon coconut oil

2 cups spinach, packed
a few stalks of lacinato kale
1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

Add everything to your blender and give it a whirl. Although I wish I could say I blend this up every morning with my Vitamix, unfortunately I'm still waiting on that one. I do use the Nutri-Bullet however, and love it. Really. It's a little on the small side, so typically I blend everything but the spinach, then jam in as much spinach as possible for round two of blending. It creates such a smooth drink, I imagine it being similar to the holy grail of blenders, just on a smaller scale. But if you're ever looking to surprise me with a gift, I'll gladly accept a Vitamix!

*BTW, I took the smoothie picture before adding in the spinach/kale. Greens have a way of muddying up the color of a lot of drinks. Sometimes the colors are so pretty, I refuse to add the greens.