Spread it on thick!

I've been trying to eat more raw foods and 100% chemical/preservative free.  In short, I make everything from scratch.  Here are 4 of my favorite (and easiest) spreads:

Chickpea Hummus:

1/2 cup raw cashews

1  1/2 cups chickpeas (soaked 10 hours, boiled for 10 minutes and rinsed in cold water)

1/4 cup olive oil

Juice of 1 Lemon

1 small clove garlic, crushed

1 tsp sea salt, or to taste

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup water

Place all ingredients in a blender in order listed and blend until smooth.  Add more water to achieve desired consistency.   I use this spread on sandwiches and in wraps.  I also use it as a vegetable dip.   Store in covered container in the refrigerator.  

Cashew Mayonnaise:

1/2 cup raw cashews

2 tsp mustard powder

Juice of 2 lemons

5 Tbs cold water

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

3/4 - 1 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Place everything in blender except the oil.  Blend until smooth.  Reduce speed to medium-low and add oil in a fine stream.  This should create a soft, spreadable cream.   I love the taste of this Mayo, and use it on sandwiches and in soups to make chowders.  It keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator.  

Date Nut Spread:

1 cup walnuts

1 cup pitted dates

1/2 to 1 cup water

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  Place in an airtight container and refrigerate.   Serve chilled with fruit or on bread in the place of peanut butter and jam.   This spread has become a staple in our household.  The girls love it.  I often have a hard time getting Livi to eat the fruit as well as the dip!  This also stores well in the refrigerator.

Apricot Jam:

10 dried apricot halves, cut in half

4 pitted dates, cut in half

1 cup water

Place all ingredients in a saucepan and soak for 1 hour.  Heat over medium heat until boiling.   Boil a few minutes, until fruit is tender.  Pour into a blender and blend until smooth (add more cold water a little at a time, to achieve desired consistency) Place in an airtight container and refrigerate until thick and cold.   Sabrina likes to eat this on skillet bread with date nut spread. 

Keep eating healthy everyone.  It's fun!!