I love using my own creations at home and it’s so much nicer when we can do so outdoors in the Sunshine and I love food especially when it’s dressed up with some luscious easy dips!
Yes, the Sun is shining here in Dundalk!
I love to make everything from scratch, however, I am a chronic improviser and a lazy cook if there is a fast way to do it – I know it!
Here is my two go to super easy dip recipes
Hummus
1 tin of Chickpeas (drained)
1 clove of garlic
1 teaspoon of paprika (smoked if you have it)
1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon of peanut butter (traditionally tahini, however, we never have this in the cupboard we ALWAYS have peanut butter)
generous few turns of the sea salt
a few squirts of lemon juice
put all into a jug and whizz or blitz with the hand blender, add a little water if it is a little dry. Scoop into a cool serving dish drizzle with a little extra oil and sprinkle with a little more paprika – yum…..Serve with crudites, burgers, toasted pitta or even crisps or chips
Tomato Salsa
10 cherry tomatoes halved (or equivalent in your chosen tomatoes diced)
2-3 spring onions chopped
1 green or yellow pepper finely diced (I’ve used red when they are the only one left)
1 chilli finely sliced
1 tablespoon tomato puree
1/2 teaspoon of sugar
a dash of balsamic vinegar
Place all the vegetable ingredients into a non-metallic bowl. Add the tomato puree, sugar and balsamic vinegar and water to cover about 2/3 of the ingredients and stir. Place in the microwave for 1 minute to soften the veg and allow to cool.You can make this as mild or spicy as you please. I like to have this with barbecued meat and veg and of course with tortilla chips!Of course, you could put these into any kind of serving dish – I shall be eating out of glamorous plastic plates next week on Scout camp however when entertaining with your in-laws or having your own private soirée serving up in some colourful platters and bowls will impress your diners.
Check out the Impressed Platter Range and the Impressed Bowls for something to brighten up your summer eats!
