Americans are obsessed with hummus, a spread with options so complex it belies the simplistic nature of its makeup. Anyone with a blender or food processor can whip together a hummus dip with results that will leave guests reaching for the....veggie tray? 
Yep. Hummus is one of those things that make the crunch of fresh vegetables even more appealing, even though hummus can and does make just about any snack food better. From pita chips to celery, hummus is the perfect healthy snack as we approach comfort food season. 
This simple hummus recipe is quick, easy, and will keep for at least a week in a tightly-covered container. If it lasts that long. 
Want some spice? Add cayenne pepper, paprika, or cumin for a bit more flavor. 
Need some ideas for serving hummus, besides the usual vegetable tray or naan flatbread? Try using hummus instead of butter or mayo on sandwich wraps, on toast, or a burger. Yum. It's also awesome on pizza. 

Ingredients:
2 8 oz cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
½ cup tahini (sesame paste, easily found at grocery stores)
¼ cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, or to taste (don't skimp!)
1 TBS cumin
Juice of 1 lemon, or more to taste (add more at the end, if desired)
¼ cup olive oil


Procedure:
Drain beans, reserving the liquid in case you need to thin out the mixture later. 
Place all ingredients in food processor and blend until smooth.
(Are you kidding me? That's It?)
Yep. That's it. 
Go wild and add other flavors such as sweet peas, red pepper, or even beets for a cool color shift, blending main ingredients first, then adding "extras" last.  

~ TFC

​The venerable horseradish has been a staple of gastronomic use for more than 3,000 years, and as a medicinal therapy long before that. The long, white root is known for its ability to spice up meats and seafood, but it also is reportedly an excellent therapy for sore muscles, as a cough syrup, and, um, as an aphrodisiac. 
Globally, the horseradish market is a vibrant one, especially here in the United States where six million gallons are produced annually, enough to season enough sandwiches to wrap the planet 12 times. That's a lot of spice. 
What is horseradish, exactly? A long, tapering root that is is harvested every spring and fall and sold to processors who work their magic; grating the root and releasing volatile oils that distinguish horseradish from all other flavors. The ground horseradish is then mixed with distilled vinegar to stabilize that distinctive burn that can clear out sinuses in a snap; but this is also where formulas can vary -- additions usually include salt, sugar, cream or vegetable oil. 
The Flying Chef recipe is similar to many, but with the addition of gin, which I think provides an unusual bite to the already-spicy horseradish. It's great on grilled red meats. 

Ingredients:
4 Tbs horseradish
1 jigger of gin (1.5 oz) 
1 Tbs fresh parsley, chopped
3 tsp sea salt
1 tsp fresh ground pepper

Procedure:
- In a small bowl combine all ingredients except the gin.
- Stirring with a fork, add small amounts of gin until you achieve a desired constancy. It is better to be on the thicker side.
- Cover, refrigerate and give it another stir just before serving atop grilled meats or as a side for sandwiches.

~TFC