Hummus

Hummus is so good, but buying it at the store can get expensive ($3 or 4). Making it from scratch is easy, cheap ($1, maybe?), and fun. The cheapest way is to buy your chickpeas (garbanzo) dried and cook them yourself. You can also buy a can of them for about 66 cents. Add whatever you like to this base recipe- artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, extra garlic. I like mine spicy.

Adapted from Alton Brown:

• 1 tsp. chopped garlic
  
• 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained)
• 2-3 tbsp. reserved cooking water (or tap)
  
• 1 tbsp. smooth peanut butter
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice (From concentrate is cheapest!)
  
• salt, pepper to taste
  
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Pinch crushed red pepper (optional)
• Dash hot sauce (optional)
  

Start with your chickpeas in a food processor or blender. Pulse until chopped up, then add the rest of your ingredients and whirl until smooth. Enjoy with pita bread and fresh veggies. For an authentic look, drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle on paprika.