Happy Friday Mamas! Can you believe our first full week of back to school is behind us already? Time seriously needs to SLOOOOOOOW down!

With back to school, comes packing school lunches!  I was actually excited to pack my daughter’s lunch with her this past week, but I have been told that this novelty wears off quickly. Time will only tell on that, but I will keep you all posted! Do you enjoy packing lunches?!

Our Feature Friday Recipe this week is not only perfect for the lunchbox, but also for the whole family. Say hello to homemade hummus! We love hummus because it is so versatile We have listed a few more reasons why we love hummus and some great ways for the whole family to enjoy this delicious and nutritious snack:

• It makes a great first food for baby. This hummus is perfect for baby because it combines all the components to building a balanced bloom baby plate in one delicious dip. The main ingredients are:

Chickpeas -> good source of IRON

Tahini (a.k.a. sesame seed paste) -> source of IRON

Olive oil -> FAT

Lemon juice -> VITAMIN C.

• It also works well for the traditional feeding method and for baby-led weaning.Serve hummus to your baby on a piece of toast cut into strips or dipped into roasted broccoli.

• It is a quick and easy protein to add to lunch boxes. Packing your little one’s lunch will be a breeze If you make a batch of this hummus at the beginning of the week. Make a veggie hummus wrap by spreading hummus on a whole grain wrap. Top wrap with broccoli slaw, cauliflower sprinkles (the tops of cauliflower) and a tablespoon of hemp hearts. Or use hummus as a dip for raw veggies or pita bread.

• It is a great snack for a busy/tired mom!

We love to make this hummus at the beginning of the week so we always have a nutritious and satisfying snack (or meal!) on hand.

Make the same veggie hummus wrap we suggested for your child’s lunchbox, use it as a dip with pre-chopped veggies, or use it as a salad dressing on top of a pre-washed bagged salad.

JUST 4 SIMPLE STEPS FOR YOUR OWN HOMEMADE HUMMUS!

Step 1: Rinse your chickpeas well.

Step 2: Place all ingredients (see recipe below) in high-powered food processor.

Step 3: Pulse until desired consistency.

Step 4: Drizzle with olive oil & sprinkle with paprika.

HOMEMADE ROASTED RED PEPPER HUMMUS

Ingredients:

• 1 can (540 ml) chickpeas, no salt added

• ¼ cup jarred roasted red peppers

• ~ 3 tbsp lemon juice (Juice of 1 lemon)

• 2 tbsp tahini

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 clove garlic

• Salt to taste – if serving to baby, leave out and add to your portion

No jarred red pepper? No problem! Leave them out for a plain flavour or add other seasonings to change it up. Hummus is a great way to explore different flavours with your baby. Try adding dill, basil, or oregano. The options are endless!

Directions:

Rinse chickpeas well. Place all ingredients in high powered food processor and pulse until desired consistency.

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika before serving!