Standing ovation

Hello. It's been a while. It's been busy. I suppose that's life!


We've officially said good-bye to Summer, and I am OK with that, as you know, I celebrate these kind of things. I feel a bit like an empty Nester, as both kids are off to full day school. Yet still, days are full of to-do lists... The next time you, the homemaker, are drilled with what it is you fill your day with, just give your opponent a disapproving look. These people have no clue. Which makes me think, we have holidays for just about everything, and yes, that includes Mothers Day, but I personally believe there should be a day that celebrates the HOMEMAKER. Western society has lost appreciation for it. Working mothers get their applause for doing it all... I think us homemakers should get a standing ovation, for doing it all on a teeny tiny budget, for tidy homes, beautiful dinners, happy kids, I mean everything. Who's with me here?

Of course the perfect homemaker is also the perfect host. Ever ready to welcome, feed and send guests off with plenty to talk about. And since you are perfect, you always have a lush supply of crunchy vegetables in your kitchen. (Right?!) So keep a few more things kicking around, and you'll have yourself the perfect hummus to match.


Smokey Hummus
Makes 1 1/2 cups

1 - 2 garlic cloves
1/4 tsp kosher salt
one 15 ounce can chickpeas, drained
1 1/2 tbsp sesame tahini
1 lemon, for juicing
3 - 4 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp Spanish paprika
several dashes of hot sauce - you decide how much

Place the garlic and salt in a food processor or blender. Process until coarsely chopped.
Add everything else, and process until smooth.
Check seasoning, adding more salt, lemon juice or hot sauce as desired.
Process until very smooth.

Sprinkle with a little paprika and a dash of olive oil, serve at room temperature.
Can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.