Trader Joe’s Roasted Garlic Hummus

There was a time where I only ate original hummus or I’d take “a walk on the wild side” and eat roasted red pepper hummus. A few years ago I began to branch out and try other flavors and thanks to Trader Joe’s, I’ve branched out even further and have tried flavors I never anticipated. Now I’ve had garlic hummus in the past and I realize each brand has different flavor categories. So I decided to pick up the Trader Joe’s Roasted Garlic Hummus and I am glad I did.

Trader Joe’s hummus is unlike any hummus I’ve had before. The hummus is very light in texture, but it’s delicious and flavorful. It’s creamy in texture and goes well with pita chips, on sandwiches or even incorporated into salads. This isn’t as “fluffy” as some of the other hummus varieties available, but this is quite satisfying and the garlic flavor isn’t overwhelming. Basically … after eating it your breath won’t ward off vampires. This flavor is undoubtedly one of my top three favorite flavors from Trader Joe’s.

A 2 tbsp serving is 60 calories or 1 points plus values.

QUESTION:

Are you a fan of hummus?

Power Chicken Hummus Bowl @ Panera

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Did you know that Panera has a hidden menu?  This menu is hidden because well, it’s not advertised on the Panera menu itself – you have to know what it is you want to order. You can check out the 6 options available off the hidden menu here.  While if you’re wondering what the nutrition facts are (or maybe are interested in calculating the Points Plus values) for these said items, you can find that information here. In order to obtain the nutrition information you need to select “Hidden Menu” from the Choose a Menu Category on the left-hand side drop down menu.

Two of my friends from high school wanted to get together for dinner since one was up visiting from New Jersey.  Panera was decided on, so I did my research and decided I was going to order the Power Chicken Hummus Bowl because it looked the most appetizing to me in that very instance.  According to the Panera hidden menu the salad consisted of all-natural antibiotic-free chicken with a cilantro jalapeno hummus, baby spinach, cucumbers, diced tomatoes and red onions.  It’s supposed to be garnished with chopped cilantro and topped with a fresh squeezed lemon.

When ordering my bowl I forgot the name of it and started saying “I want the grilled chicken….” The girl taking my menu asked “Caesar salad?” I said (having a big major brain freeze) “No, no .. umm… it’s the hummus bowl!” to which she replied, “Oh okay, from that menu.” I do have this odd thing about eating cold poultry (aside from deli meat) so I asked if the chicken was served hot or cold.  I was told cold, but they can heat it if requested.  So, I of course, requested for it to be heated!  My order was put through, I was given my buzzer and I waited for my salad to be prepped.

Picking up my salad at the counter, I thought it looked appetizing. I love hummus and the hummus was drizzled over the whole salad.  The veggies and chicken were plentiful and I was satisfied.  I did find, since it was missing the lemon finish it was a little dry, so I had some fat free poppyseed dressing to dip my fork into to give it a bit of wetness.  The great thing about the fat free poppyseed is 2 tablespoons is only 1 points plus!  Overall, I was quite pleased with my meal and I would definitely order it again.

The salad was pretty big, packed with power foods, it was filling AND it was only 8 points plus values!

QUESTION:

Have you tried anything from the hidden menu at Panera? Or did you even know there was a hidden menu?

Trader Joe’s Chipotle Pepper Hummus

I’m a big fan of hummus – have been since I was a kid, but it wasn’t until my late teen years that I started to experiment with flavored hummus.  I’ve only ever tried roasted red pepper hummus and garlic hummus before I was introduced to the fabulous flavor combinations at Trader Joe’s.  I’ve posted about their Horseradish Hummus which is a slam dunk – but my taste buds were looking for something new.  I saw this Chipotle Pepper Hummus and decided to give it a shot. I’ve had a bad experience with a Mexican soup with chipotle pepper in it, but putting that experience aside, I figured it couldn’t be SO overly spicy that it’d be killer because hummus itself is very strong and helps mute flavors.

I first opened the hummus and was surprised by the texture. It wasn’t as “smooth” as most hummus’ appear in their container.  I added the two tablespoons onto a tortilla wrap to enjoy with a sandwich and tried it first.  It definitely has a mild smoky flavor, with a subtle hint of spice in the background. It’s packed with flavor and totally delicious.  But I will say the consistency is very light and airy. It’s not as thick and heavy as most hummus’ tend to be.

As with most hummus’ a serving is 2 tablespoons, which is quite a generous serving.  A serving is 50 calories, or 1 points plus value. I’ve quite enjoyed this hummus and I’ve used it on sandwiches as a replacement to condiments such as mayonnaise and mustard.  It’d also be perfect with some crackers or even some fresh veggies to dip into it.

QUESTION:

What is your favorite hummus flavor?

Trader Joe’s Hummus with freshly ground Horseradish

I am and always have been a huge fan of hummus. I also tend to really love horseradish, typically in obscene amounts.  So when I saw this Trader Joe’s Hummus with Freshly Ground Horseradish I knew I had to pick it up without even a second guess.

I’ve been using the hummus on sandwiches as a condiment and I have to say it’s straight up delicious.  Flavor wise it’s definitely hummus, but in the background there is a slight tang of horseradish.  It’s definitely not overwhelming, overpowering or wowing – but it’s there, very mildly.  The hummus undoubtedly brings down the heat index of the horseradish and in turn gives it a very subdued flavor.  I would enjoy it if it were spicier, but all-in-all its fine as it is.

2 tablespoons is a serving size and it calculates out to be 1 points plus values.

QUESTION:

What is your favorite hummus flavor?