Are you ready for the holidays? I am! Because I grew up in a somewhat non-traditional household I tend to have some different holiday treats so I thought I’d share one with you today! & since I’m already here & you’re already here…I’ll also share a few ideas for super easy appetizers with a coupon at the end. Sound good? Great! Let us make some Mezzetta Memories! Because the holidays are all about family I think of foods I always eat with mine. My mom & I both love hummus but my dad & husband don’t so we tend to really load up on it when we’re together! Today I want to share my super easy Roasted Red Pepper Jalapeno Hummus recipe that you can throw together so quickly it is practically sinful. It looks a bit more fun than the plain original & has a lot more zest.
“Family owned since 1935, the fourth generation of Mezzetta family is continuing the commitment to bring our customers the highest quality foods available. We source the finest fresh produce from the sun-drenched soils of California, Italy, Spain, France, and Greece and prepare them according to our Italian family recipes in the Napa Valley. Inspiration is just a twist away!”
I wanted to start with fresh jalapenos because I really think they add great flavor. You can roast them beforehand if you prefer since that will really bring out the smoky flavor. Discard the seeds & membrane for a more mild dip or add in a few for more zip. Remember the longer it sits the hotter it gets! These Mezzetta Roasted Bell Peppers (click here for a coupon!) help make this recipe sinfully easy while adding more color & flavor.
This recipe is so simple that you add in all of the ingredients except one & boom…pretty much done. If you aren’t sure about how hot or which items you’d like to add start with a mixer then add to a food processor to taste as you go.
- 16 ounces chickpeas, canned, drained well
- ¾ cup roasted red bell peppers, jarred or fresh
- 1 jalapeno, seeded, diced (roasted if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves (one tablespoon if dry)
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Add all ingredients except olive oil to food processor & puree well.
- Slowly add in olive oil to build the texture & thickness you prefer.
- Let set up in refridgerator about one hour for firmer hummus.
- Serve with toasted pita bread, crusty breads, crackers, chips, or use as a spread.
For some other quick appetizers Mezzetta has you covered as well! Olives are another food my dad & husband don’t care for but mom & I go wild for! I try to include them whenever I can since we always demolish them! In fact, ALL of the women on my mom’s side love olives so it is always a big hit. Mezzetta has a lot of options for toothpick foods & items that can be thrown atop a salad or pasta for something more filling.
I really like the Mezzetta Italian Olive Antipasto thrown over couscous & I eat on that for lunch in a week. Here’s a look at some of the items inside on a fancy scewer- so swirly! You can see they look really flavorful & have herbal flavors that are perfect to amp up a celebration.
Really short on time this season? Add Mezzetta Pitted Greek Kalamata Olives, Sweet Cherry Peppers, & Feta Cheese Stuffed Olives to a serving area. Simple, effortless, & tasty! The Sweet Cherry Peppers are even green & red- a match made in holiday heaven! Focus on the rest of your party & let these favorites serve themselves by adding toothpicks.
Want to win an awesome an awesome gift basket to make some of these treats for your holiday season? The giveaway will run from December 1st through December 31st. That means there are 31 daily prizes!
To enter: CLICK HERE & enter your information. Each day a winner will be selected at random. Prizes will be shipped within 2 weeks.
Mezzetta Favorites Holiday Gift Basket (31 Winners – Daily) includes:
• 100% Italian Estate Grown Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Golden Greek Peperoncini
• Garlic Stuffed Olives
• Castelvetrano Olives
• Pitted Greek Kalamata Olives
• Roasted Marinated Red & Yellow Sweet Bell Peppers
• Cocktail Onions
• 1 Apron (from House Party contents)
• 1 Metal Olive Spoon (from House Party contents)
• 1 Tote Bag (from House Party contents)
• 1 Ceramic Bowl
What are your random holiday recipe favorites? Any fun holiday traditions? Feel free to leave links below! Remember to get your Mezzetta coupon here to save some $ next time you shop as well!
