If there’s one thing we know on a boat, it’s how to have a gathering.
One sailboat means a relaxing sail, two sailboats means a race. Oh, the race is unofficial and most of us cruisers are not racers, but we can’t resist.
When we’re in an anchorage however, two boats means a party. Otherwise known as the sun downer. This is our reward for a day of hard work. Ha, you may say, what kind of hard work is there on a sailboat. Check back to my Sailing 101 series and I’ll clue you in.
But you can’t have a sun downer without food, it’s just not responsible imbibing. We also don’t always have the convenience of store bought treats. I’ve discovered homemade is actually just as simple and cuts the cost by more than half.
So, as you get ready to entertain visitors this holiday season, try some of this Garbanzo Dip. It’s amazing what you can do with the flavors. If in doubt, go to the local store and look for the pre-packaged Humus dip. I think there are as many flavors as there are brands. It’s chocked full of fiber as well, counteracting the… shall we say less than healthy beverages. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Garbanzo Dip with Pita Wedges
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, crushed
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon ground red pepper
Here’s where you get to be creative. One option is:
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
2 tablespoons chopped ripe olives
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Sliced rip olives, optional
Fresh parsley sprigs, optional
Toasted Pita Wedges
Other options:
Roasted Red Peppers
Green Olives
Diced Chilies
Position knife blade in food processor bowl. Add first 7 ingredients; process until smooth. Transfer bean mixture to a small bowl; stir in sesame seeds, chopped olives, and minced parsley. If desired, garnish with sliced olives and fresh parsley sprigs. Serve with Toasted Pita Wedges, crackers and vegetables. Yield: 1 ½ cups.
What do you make at home that could be bought as a convenience?
Mmmm, this is one of my favorite afternoon snacks. Dip some bell peppers or carrots into it and I’m in heaven. Pita bread is even better!
I’m afraid I buy most of my snacks, even though I can make them myself. This recipe just proves how easy it is. One of my goals for next year is to be more sustainable ~ this is the perfect place to start!
I never knew a boat party was called a sun downer. Now the name of this one boat in the harbor totally makes sense. You guessed it ~ it’s called the Sun Downer.
I agree Tameri, this is a great everyday snack as well. I commend you for being more sustainable. Good luck.
Chex mix is a big favorite. Not as healthy as the humus dip. (Which sounds yummy.) I NEVER buy it in those expensive little bags. Time to start preparing for the holiday gatherings.
Ah, yes, Chex Mix. I like the homemade variety as well. Have a great holiday!
Thank you for sharing this recipe. Can’t wait to try it!
Linda, so glad you could come aboard Fawkes. We’re about to follow you across the Gulf Stream. Enjoy!
Shared that one with hubby – he’s the big humus fan! the red pepper version sounds awesome to me! =)
Carrie, roasted red peppers are my favorite as well, but they tend to make the hummus sweet. Hmm… I think I’ll have to make another batch.
Arent’ garbanzo beans the greatest? They’re so versatile. I make hummus occasionally, but Trader Joe’s has a variety of them so I buy the Mediterranean version of theirs which is really good. My husband’s lost 40 pounds. I think it’s the pound of baby carrots and the hummus he eats every day!
Jennifer, I love when we can lose weight by snacking. Good job for your husband.
The recipe seems easy to make! I love hummus – it goes great with baby carrots, celery sticks, jicama pieces etc. I have to avoid glutten products so no crackers for me unless they are gluten-free 🙂