Tahini, a sesame paste, is an essential part of the flavor of this spread, which is great as a snack on crackers, pita chips or as part of a sandwich. You can buy it already prepared, but by making it yourself, you can flavor it to your tastes.

1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans, reserve liquid
2 tablespoons tahini
2-3 cloves garlic, crushed
Juice of 1 large lemon (2-3 tablespoons)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine garbanzos plus about a quarter cup of liquid from can with tahini, garlic, lemon juice and about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then taste and add salt and pepper. Continue blending and add more lemon juice or olive oil (depending on your taste) until medium-thick paste forms.

Servings: 8. Serving size: slightly less than 1/2 cup. Per serving: 156 calories, 3.7 g protein, 9 g fat, 15.2 g carbohydrates, 183 mg sodium, trace cholesterol.