Chili Cheese Hummus Crackers

Since I ruined your diet so soon after the new years with some goodies, I figured I would redeem myself with these crackers.

I'm not much of a believer in diets of any sort but instead I like to eat sensible portions (except for maybe ice cream) clean foods ( again except for maybe ice cream...oops!) and as much home made as is feasible.

That aside it is still quite frequently that I will get cravings for various things (yessss ice cream!) that aren't quite so bad if made from scratch.

These have a similar taste to cheez-its but because of the chickpeas they are much more nutritious (lots of fiber to keep you full!) and are too easy to make to even think about buying them.

Chili Cheese Hummus Crackers 
Inspired by a recipe from Everyday Food


1 can (15.5 oz) of Chickpeas
1 1/2 c. flour
3/4 tsp. Salt
1 1/2 tsp. Chili powder
A dash of pepper
1/2 c. Cheddar cheese,grated
6 tbsp. of water
5 tbsp. of butter

 In a food processor puree chickpeas. Add in spices,butter and cheese and continue mixing. Lastly mix in the flour and enough water to make a dough (you may find you need more than 6 tablespoons). Divide dough in half and on a lightly floured surface roll out each half one at a time to an 1/8" thick. Cut into strips or whatever shape you desire. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake just until golden brown about 20 minutes. Immediately remove from the pan and cool on a rack. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie

You are probably looking at this recipe because there is 'cheesecake' in the title and if you're anything like me cheesecake is just something that can NOT be resisted!!!

Now I hate to disappoint, really I do......

but there is no cheesecake to be found in this recipe....waaaaaait, WHAT??!!!

Ok, I promise there is a good reason and I promise this tastes just almost as good as the real thing.

You see, I was really craving cheesecake. At 10:30 at night. Cheesecake takes FOREVER to make. The cardboard crusted mush labeled as cheesecake with a $7 tag at the grocery store next door just wasn't going to cut it.

So I came up with this instead. Bonus, it's much healthier for you....you can thank me later when you still fit in your bathing suit after eating drinking some 'cheesecake'.

Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie

1 c. frozen strawberries

2 tbsp fat free cream cheese

1 individual size strawberry cheesecake yogurt (plain,vanilla, or strawberry are also good)

2 graham cracker sheets

1/3 c. strawberry juice (I use Crystal Light)

2/3 c. milk ( I use fat free)

Combine all ingredients in the blender and enjoy! Makes 2 servings.

Note: Feel free to increase or decrease the amounts based on how thin or thick you prefer your smoothies. I have also made this using only milk and not juice and it still comes out tasting like yummy cheesecake, just a little less strawberry tasting!