Favourite cracker spreads

Seed cracker is one of my big obsessions. It's a staple in my kitchen and I make a batch every other week to make sure I always have some at home. I like them with a creamy avocado and sprouts for breakfast, as a side to a hearty salad or delicious soup, as a nibble during a party or just as they are. Nutty, crispy and yummy. No matter when they are served a creamy spread goes very well with them. And creamy spreads is just what this blog post is about. 

These two are easy to make, contains lots of nutrition and flavour AND can be stored in the fridge for quite a few days. Make a big batch and keep some for upcoming breakfasts, lunches, afternoon snack moments and dinners. Except from having the spreads on a crispy cracker they could also be served to a hearty salad or in your favourite wrap. 

* The cracker above is "Oat and walnut cracker" from my cookbook The new green salad.

Pea and cilantro hummus

250 grams green peas 

2 tbsp tahini (I prefer the light one here, made of raw sesame seeds instead of toasted) 

1/2 dl water 

1 big handful of fresh cilantro 

1/2 dl cold pressed olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

fresh or dried cilantro for garnishing 

Carrot and tarragon hummus

4 dl/320 grams cooked chickpeas

250 grams cooked/steamed/baked carrots

2 tbsp tahini (I prefer the light one here, made of raw sesame seeds instead of toasted) 

1/2 dl water

1 small garlic clove, minced  

1 tsp dried tarragon

2 tbsp cold pressed olive oil

salt and pepper to taste 

sesame seeds + cold pressed olive oil for garnishing  

How to

Green pea and cilantro hummus: Mix water and tahini until creamy using an immersion blender or food processor. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until creamy. Salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with cilantro before serving. 

Carrot and tarragon hummus: Mix water and tahini until creamy using an immersion blender or food processor. Add the rest of the ingredients, except for the olive oil, and mix until creamy. Add the oil and mix to combine. Salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving. 

DONE! 

Berry smoothie and coconut chia bowl with granola

This is not only breakfast art, but also a great flavour and texture combination. The smooth berry smoothie together with the creamy chia pudding plus the crunchy granola! During weekends when a have a bit more time I love to make this for breakfast or brunch, sometimes I even serve it as a dessert! Also, one last thing before I'll let you run off to the kitchen to start mixing, try using other berries than raspberries for variation - any berry works just as fine! 

Smoothie and coconut chia bowl with granola

Makes 2 bowls

Smoothie

1 ripe avocado 

1 green banana, cut in pieces and frozen 

2 dl frozen raspberries 

2 tbsp nut milk

1 fresh date, pitted 

Coconut chia pudding

1 dl coconut milk

1 dl water 

2 tbsp chia seeds 

A good pinch of pure vanilla powder 

Granola

4 dl seeds/nuts/grains (rolled oats/pumpkin seeds/sunflower seeds/hazelnuts)

1 tbsp cinnamon

1 tbsp cardamom 

1 tsp pure vanilla powder

1 good pinch Himalayan salt

1 dl water

2 tbsp cold pressed coconut oil

3 fresh dates, pitted

1 dl toasted coconut flakes

2 tbsp cacao nibs 

1 dl dried berries/fruits (raisins/blueberries/goji berries)

How to

Whisk together all the ingredients for the coconut chia pudding. Let sit for about 30 minutes until creamy. Stir half way through to avoid clumps. 

Mix all the ingredients for the smoothie in a mixer until smooth. 

Divide smoothie and chia pudding in to two bowls. Top with granola and freeze dried berries 

Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Mix your choice of seeds/nuts/grains (I used a mix of chopped hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, rolled oats), cinnamon, cardamom, pure vanilla powder and a good pinch of Himalayan salt in a mixing bowl.

Bring water, oil and dates to a boil. Let simmer for 1 minute. Mix until completely smooth using a hand blender. Add to the mixing bowl and mix everything together using a wooden spoon until every bit gets covered. Spread out on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until crispy and golden, stirring every now and then, for about 30 minutes.

Let cool. Add 1 dl toasted coconut flakes + cacao nibs + your choice of dried berries/fruits (I used goji berries + raisins).