(Family Features) From everyday snacking to entertaining at parties, Americans adore their snacks. So, it’s no surprise that nearly 100 percent of Americans snack at least once every day, according to a recent survey conducted by the California Olive Committee.
Interestingly, the survey found that consumers, who snack most frequently at home on weekends, overwhelmingly prefer easy-to-prepare homemade snacks over prepared store-bought varieties.One versatile and affordable ingredient that pumps up the flavor of a wide array of snack recipes is the ripe olive. Olives are a double-duty pantry staple – ideal for snacking right out of the can and perfect to have on hand for preparing simple, mouth-watering snack recipes at home.From pickling with spices and vegetables, to adding a pop of color and texture to hummus or cream cheese-stuffed celery, California Ripe Olives are a flavorful addition to crowd-pleasing snacks.Here are some simple, scrumptious recipes that are sure to cure any snack attack.For more tasty snacking recipes, visit www.CalOlive.org.Recipe: Olive Hummus
Ingredients:
- 1 (6-ounce) can California Ripe Olives
- 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed and drained garbanzo beans
- 2 1/2 tablespoons sesame tahini
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus additional for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Pita bread wedges, pita chips or cut raw vegetables
Preparation:
- Open olive can and strain, reserving 2 tablespoons of brine; set aside.
- Puree beans, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, cayenne pepper and garlic in food processor until very smooth. Add yogurt and olive brine and mix again. Add two-thirds of olives and pulse until coarsely chopped. Transfer to bowl.
- Coarsely chop remaining olives and sprinkle over top. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with parsley, if desired. Serve with pita bread wedges, pita chips or raw vegetables.
2 cups