Perfect Hummus and Drama Free Game Pieces

I realize that Perfect Hummus and Drama Free Game Pieces really have nothing in common.

...aside from the fact that I've had both of these ideas pinned for a while and thought it was about time to give them a shot.

Here's the thing about Drama Free Game Pieces.  We got the girls Chutes and Ladders for Christmas.

Let me rephrase that...Santa got the girls Chutes and Ladders for Christmas.  We always have Santa get the girls things that are shared like games, books (we Santa got them Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing by Sally Lloyd Jones this year), or movies.  

I realize that Chutes and Ladders comes with built in drama due to the thrill of victory or agony of defeat, depending on whether you get a chute or a ladder.  It's a second by second emotional drama for a little girl.

I did not, however, anticipate the drama even before the game began due to choosing the game pieces.  

There are 2 boy pieces and 2 girl pieces and NOBODY wants to be the boy.  

There was crying before we even spun the spinner!

So, when I saw the picture game pieces on pinterest, I knew they would be the solution to all of our drama.

I think my pieces are a little bit tall, though.  They're kind of proportionally big for the game board...like they are King Kong lumbering through NYC.

Poor Leah's sensibilities are offended, because the game pieces of her sisters are taller than her's. SHE is taller in real life.  

Also, Gracie was on the fussy side when I took these pictures, and the best one really was the one with her finger in her mouth.  

Maggie is so adorable with how she's holding her skirt!

I'm not sure that we'll actually use these game pieces for the board due to the size, but they're fun to use with duplo blocks, La La Loopsy Girls, and Pretty Ponies on a snow day!

Now, on to the hummus!

The recipe involves PEELING the garbanzo beans!

Do you say garbanzo beans or chickpeas?

I like to see garbanzo beans because I think it's funny.

Anyway, you peel them.  Which I realize is a little over the top, but it TOTALLY results in the smoothest hummus!

To peel them, hold the bean between your thumb, pointer, and swear finger tall man fingers with the pointy end facing your palm.  Gently squeeze to pop it out of its jacket.

It's actually kind of fun and therapeutic.

This does take a bit of time.  The lady who wrote the recipe said it took her 9 minutes to peel the garbaznzos.

But, I had people giving me hilarious notes...

...and a little cutie who was so excited to have a new stroller, but she couldn't undo the buckle herself.

Granted, the buckle doesn't need to be opened to get the baby out, but still...

Due to a lot of interruptions it took me...

Please don't make fun of me for wearing a digital watch.

Thank you.

Then, put the peeled garbaznos into a food processor.

Zip them together in the food processor until powdery clumps form-about a minutes.  Scrape down the sides to make sure you have them all.

Add the rest of the ingredients:

1/2 cup tahini
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, or to taste (I heart lemon juice, so I add more)
2 small cloves of garlic, roughly chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste


Blend until pureed.  Add 1/4 cup of water a tablespoon at a time while the food processor is zooming along until you get a very smooth, light, and creamy texture.  It took me a little over 1/4 cup of water. 

It is seriously so smooth and delicious.  I'm sure the next time I make hummus, it'll take less time.  Unless my little helpers are helping me, of course :)

Now you'll feel like a kitchen rock star for making the best hummus.  EVER!

Enjoy :)


I'm linking up here: