Here’s what goes on in my head when I’m getting ready to host a gathering:
Did I scrub the bathroom?
Have I vacuumed?
Are there any stray socks lying around?
Did I shove all the dirty clothes in the closet?
Who hates cheese again? Should I even put the cheese plate out?
Is the stovetop properly cleaned? Someone’s going to judge me if it isn’t.
Need to organize all the piles of food magazines in the living room. Should I toss this issue? Oh, that looks like a great recipe . . . that one too. Wait, stop flipping magazines and get back to cleaning.
Is there enough food? No, there’s never enough food. What can I whip up in a jiffy?
That inner dialogue is legit. As a host, I want my guests to (1) have fun, (2) be comfortable, and (3) be well fed. Number 3 is an iron clad rule in Mama Lin’s house. She’s the type that will cook enough to serve 20 when only 10 people are showing up. Like mother, like daughter, I’ve picked up that habit too. Moral of the story: BE READY TO EAT when you come to my house!
The party fare that you’ll always find in my gatherings are crackers and dips. It’s quick and doesn’t take up much of my brain power. As you know by now, 2 hours before the guests arrive, my brain’s already preoccupied with things like whether I’ve stashed away my bra. I don’t have time to think about dishes that are too complicated.
Crackers and dip save the day. Always.
Breton is one of my favorite brands because the surface area of each cracker is big, meaning I can pile more toppings per visit to the snack station. I like to keep a 3:1 topping to cracker ratio. (It’s down to an art now.) Well, Breton has come out with a gluten-free line of crackers, and I’m verrrry impressed with how good they taste. Having tried a few flavors, the Original with Flax is probably my favorite because it goes well with anything (like the smoked salmon hummus!) and I love the flavor that the flax seeds add to the crackers. How did they make the crackers gluten-free? They’re made with arrowroot and green lentil flour!
I’ve eaten a shameful amount of these crackers over the last few weeks. I munch on a few of these after a work, after a workout, while I’m blogging . . . These crackers = addictive. If you see them at the supermarket, be sure to pick up a box (or 5 if you’re anything like me)!
Caramelized Onion Hummus with Smoked Salmon
Ingredients
Hummus
- 2 TBS olive oil, divided
- 1/2 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 15-oz (425g) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 to 2 TBS water, adjust to the consistency you want
- 1 1/2 TBS lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 oz smoked salmon, chopped
Additions
- Breton’s Gluten-Free Original with Flax crackers
- Guacamole, see Notes for recipe
- Mango Salsa, see Notes for recipe
- 1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a sauté pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions. Cook the onions until they are softened and turning translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir occasionally. Turn off the heat and let the onions cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
- In a blender or food processor, mix the onions, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, chickpeas, water, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until smooth. I used 2 tablespoons of water because I wanted a more smooth hummus. You can use less water for a thicker hummus.
- Pour the hummus in a bowl, and stir in about three-quarters of the smoked salmon. Top hummus with the remaining chopped salmon.
- Serve with Breton’s gluten-free crackers. Top the hummus with your favorite additions, like guacamole, salsa, or cucumbers!
Notes
To learn more about Breton crackers, follow them on Twitter or Facebook!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
That GIF! But seriously who questions the cleaning aspects..it’s ALL about the food! 😉
Seeing as that hummus has smoked salmon, it totally can pass off as a meal.
Lisa says
Haha, THANKS, Arman!
Mama Lin totally judges.
Joanne says
YES to having loads of food when people come over! That’s the only way to do it. I love making new dips for guest since I rarely have an excuse to just eat them myself. This caramelized onion hummus sounds droolworthy.
Lisa says
Thanks, Joanne! The best part about cooking too much when I have people over is the LEFTOVERS!
Erin@WellPlated says
Similar party commentary runs through my head before my guests arrive too! I totally agree that dip is always a clear winner. This looks and sounds like an amazing combination of flavors!
Lisa says
Haha, glad I’m not the only one, Erin. Thanks!!
Emily @ Zen & Spice says
Omg how did you make that GIF? That’s so cool!! Your dip sounds amazing.
Lisa says
Thank you so much, Emily!!
Julia says
Those exact thoughts go through my mind too when I know I have company coming. Those + is there enough wine to quench an army, because what can I say – my friends (and I) are lushes 😉 That hummus is looking mighty fine, m’dear! The perfect dip for serving up at a gathering 😀
P.S. I LOVE your tiff or gif or whatever the movy-picture thing is!
Lisa says
Haha, I think from now on, gifs should be called movy picture things.
So, as a fellow lush, I know EXACTLY how you feel!
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
Love the pre-party commentary. Exactly like me! Agree dips/spreads with crackers and chips are no-brainier additions to the menu!
Lisa says
Thanks, Jessica!
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats says
Um, you’re going to have to tell me how you did that disappearing act. This looks like the perfect spread!
Oh and I saw you comment on Taylor’s post that you’d be at Indulge- excited to meet you!
Lisa says
GIFs! You need to check out Minimalist Baker’s tutorial on how to do it. She uses an older version of Photoshop in the video but definitely check it out. It was great meeting you at Indulge, Melanie!!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Love this – super party food! Love your GIF!!
Lisa says
Thanks, Patricia!!
Bam's Kitchen says
Love, Love, Love the GIF!!! That is so cool! I am with you keeping the party fare simple and more than they will ever be able to eat is always part of my motto. This caramelised onion hummus with smoked salmon sounds out of the is world. Sharing and pinning, of course!
Lisa says
Thank you so much, Bobbi! Also, love that you spell caramelized with and “s” and not a “z”. That’s so commonwealth of you!
Christine | No Gojis, No Glory says
Ha! “Did I shove all the dirty clothes in the closet?” Best trick ever! There are sooo many things to think about when hosting a party. That’s why I tend to go to parties instead of hosting, and then ask “What can I bring?” And then show up with a fabulous dish like this one. Sounds so flavorful Lisa!
Lisa says
My go-to dishes for bring to a party are dips and chocolate. ALWAYS a crowd pleaser! Thanks, Christine!
Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says
Bahahaha – “Is the stovetop properly cleaned?” It people judged me for the status of my stovetop, then I’d be SO JUDGED – it’s ALWAYS dirty. (OMG is everyone judging me?!). I’m SO looking forward to trying these gluten-free crackers – the caramelized onion hummus with smoked salmon sounds like the perfect party appetizer.
Lisa says
Secretly, I judged you when I was in your kitchen. JUST KIDDING. Girl, be ready for the crackers!