Hummus & Veggies Mediterranean Mezze Board - FOOD PHOTO SHOOT

[gringalicious]

I’m so glad to be feeling more myself after being sick all weekend. Can we all agree on the fact that being sick just sucks on every level? Especially when you’re older because then you don’t even get to miss school as a bonus. You just get to lay around feeling guilty that you’re not doing all the things you need to. Then on top of that, I work from home, so it’s hard to not feel extra guilty when you’re work is right there. I’m not saying that there aren’t huge benefits to working from home, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.

This flu virus though, or whatever it was, left me with about 0% motivation to do anything. Yeah, I’m not gonna lie, my weekend involved a lot less recipe creating and a lot more Netflix marathons. I’m back at it though and feeling so ready to jump into all the fresh Springy foods and recipes that I want to make!

When it comes to holidays, or basically any occasion for that matter, my family is definitely into snacking. I mean, we love to do big extravagant meals for Thanksgiving or sometimes Christmas, but even still there has to be some good snacks to get the party started.

This board is a great way to impress the guests and also include some healthier stuff on the snacking table. I love making all type of hummus flavors (sidenote: What’s the plural of hummus? hummuses? hummis? hummu?) but this time I wanted to go with one that would also add to the color palate of this board so I tried a beet flavored one. Of course, I also had to throw in a traditional hummus too.

As for the rest, you can get pretty versatile with the dippers. I used some of the veggies that make me think of Spring the most, a mix of blue corn chips, multi-grain crackers, and toasted garlic breadsticks. I added some nuts and threw on some fresh flowers for good measure (not necessary, but pretty). Like I said before though, you can make this board however you want.

Hummus & Veggies Mediterranean Mezze Board

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12-14 servings

Serve up this vibrantly colored hummus and vegetable board at your next Spring fling or put it on your Easter menu to share with friends and family.

Ingredients

Hummus base:

2 (15 ounce) cans garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons tahini
4 cloves garlic
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3 medium beets, cooked and peeled
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Board:

sugar snap peas
radishes, sliced
baby carrots
cherry tomatoes
cucumbers, sliced
almonds, toasted or raw
walnuts, toasted or raw
blue corn chips
breadsticks
multi-grain crackers
fresh flowers (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients for the hummus base in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Take about half of the mixture out of the blender and place in a medium bowl, then stir the cumin and paprika in. Add the beets and fresh thyme to the remaining mixture in the blender and blend until smooth. If not using immediately, store in an airtight container in fridge for up to 1 week.
2. To assemble the board, fill small bowls with each of the hummus flavors and surround the bowls with the fresh cut veggies, chips, crackers, and any other fruits, cheeses, or meats you might like to add.
   Finish off the board with some fresh flowers if desired and enjoy!

For more great food ideas, please do not forget to look at my other recent food posts

1. Spring Bunny Tracks Confetti Blondies
2. Mint Chocolate Chip Avocado Mousse Cups
3. Raspberry Pomegranate Oats in a Jar
4. Coconut Almond Ranch Fried Chicken Nuggets
5. Chocolate Spelt Greek Yogurt Waffles + Maple Nut Butter Syrup
6. Moroccan Ribboned Carrot Raddicchio Salad
7. Heirloom Tomato Marinara Meatballs & Spaghetti Squash
8. Chocolate Oats & Honey Cut-Out Cookies (GF+Vegan)
9. Miso Mahi-Mahi Brown Rice Pad Thai Noodles
10. Chile Lime Veggie Burrito Bowls

ALL CONTENT IS MINE AND ORIGINAL! All of these food photos were taken with my Nikon D750 and my favorite Lens, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G. You can find out more in my INTRO POST.

And, by the way, to all the minnows out there, my intro post did a huge $0.21. The key to success on Steemit is to be consistent and persistent. Click on the link below for some great tutorials on how you can also succeed on the steem blockchain:

Master Toolkit: Steemit Resource Guide Illustrated by @sndbox

Also, a huge shoutout to @rigaronib for designing my logo!

Do you want to learn more about me? Click here to see a recent @wadepaterson interview with me - 20 questions with @gringalicious

My Current Stats: 64,077 Steem Power | 13,468 Followers | 29,900 Posts | Reputation 74.793

Comments

[noboxes]

this looks out of this world amazing!!

[gringalicious]

That's so sweet @noboxes!

[mamaloves]

I cannot wait to try this, it is just so beautiful!!

[gringalicious]

I do hope you give it a try someday soon. I have great confidence that your family will love it

[freerunner]

I really need more of this in my life, really awesome photography!!!!

[gringalicious]

you are always so sweet and supportive @freerunner, thanks so much

[elizahfhaye]

Everybody were really attracted to food plus its was specially arranged!

[nuelokenyi]

Well agreed 🤝

[gringalicious]

that is very nice of you to say, thanks so much!

[denmarkguy]

That is just so lovely and colorful-- and tasty, I am sure!

So, beets in hummus? I love hummus and I really like beets, but I cannot say it has ever occurred to me to combine the two. Actually, it sounds great... is that your own invention?

Glad you're feeling better; being sick sucks! But I'm a lousy patient... Happy Spring!

[gringalicious]

yup, my own invention, don't ask me how it jumped inside my head, I don't really know. Happy Spring to you as well @denmarkguy

[street.yoga]

It's not that unusual though, sometimes I buy it in the store when I'm not in the mood to make three different hummus. An Austrian company sells it as trio with curry and classic.

[kjnk]

that sauce looks exquisite

[gringalicious]

thanks so much

[hms818]

That looks really healthy and colorful!

[gringalicious]

thanks so much @hms818

[marilia]

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[arnel]

It is like a rainbow of colors... and to think they are foods, what a delight must have been both to the eyes and stomach.

[gringalicious]

super kind words, thanks so much @amel

[woman-onthe-wing]

Oh my goodness, what a wonderful platter! Just the thing to boost health after the flu! You truly are an artist @gringalicious, I love the arrangement :-)

[mellissa93]

i like your post, i will resteem your post

[gringalicious]

that is so nice, thanks so much

[mmohsinraza]

It's miles like a rainbow of colours... And to suppose they may be ingredients, what a pride ought to had been both to the eyes and stomach.

[gringalicious]

very kind words, thanks so much

[ghmboyan]

not only beautiful but also useful 🥗🍲🍝

[muh]

Nice

[gringalicious]

Thanks @muh

[noopu]

Wonderful pictures and yummy meal💕

[gringalicious]

Glad you like it @noopu!

[grandadscookbook]

Love the recipe, the photos, the colors...everything :) I've never put beets in hummus, I have to try it, thanks for the recipe. Btw I'm ready for spring too

[gringalicious]

Thanks @grandadscookbook!

[gorgiousman]

wow photography i like this post thanka for upvote

[gringalicious]

Thanks @gorgiousman!

[fooblic]

Color-food explosion!

[gringalicious]

I really appreciate it @fooblic!

[chekohler]

Stunning shots! Veggies never looked sexier :)

[gringalicious]

Thanks @chekohler!

[nomadicsoul]

Holy moly how do you literally turn good into art like that. Who ever said you shouldn't play with your food? Lol.

I totally have thought the same thing... Like why can't I just skip school and watch Mulan all day?? I feel super guilty too and sometimes force myself to work when sick.

Glad you're feeling better! Can I ask what work you do from home?

I love beet hummus! And beets in general. I don't really know why, though, because I simultaneously think they taste like dirt lol

[gringalicious]

I actually do Steemit, along with a few other things, as my full-time job for the time being. Thanks @nomadicsoul !

[usamamsd]

Very beautiful pictures

[gringalicious]

thanks so much for the kind words

[hermankpsn]

Hello @gringalicious ,,, you are great in photography & food ,, i like it ..👍

[gringalicious]

very kind of you to say, thanks so much

[hermankpsn]

Your welcome

[morionmaddox]

Hey! The hummus is just great, actually having some this very morning, with a home-made pita breads. Great pic also.

[gringalicious]

Thanks @morionmaddox!

[pamcooks]

I am obsessed with food! But the main aspect i love is how it brings people together.I love the whole occasion of sharing and discussing the lovely food , which is set before us.Your sharing platter and dips are perfect for any occassion.Easters coming up and 2 bank holiday means i will be having alot of guests.Thanks for giving me some inspiration.I hope you are feeling better.I am defo a netflix feend when I am not well.The reason I hate being ill, is my appetite goes.Nooooooo that is hell for me😂😂😂😂

[gringalicious]

Thanks @pamcooks!

[aqeelshehzad]

Love the formula, the photographs, the colors...everything
I've never placed beets in hummus, I need to attempt it, a debt of gratitude is in order for the formula. Between I'm prepared for spring as well. Extremely wonderful pictures. Shading nourishment blast. extremely wonderful photography

[gringalicious]

That's so kind @aqeelshehzad! Thanks!

[upmewhale]

You got a 22.69% upvote from @upmewhale courtesy of @gringalicious!

Earn 100% earning payout by delegating SP to @upmewhale. Visit http://www.upmewhale.com for details!

[crowbarmama]

We haven't had much hummus in the house because it's a cheat food for Wildstyle, and usually she reserves her cheats for sweets or baked goods, however when @mamaloves brought some over my little guys were tearing it up! I definitely want to try the beet hummus as I've been enjoying beet kvass,roasted beets and even steamed beets blended into my lattes. One more way to enjoy them, yay!

Beautiful presentation, btw. I love the balance of color! Very striking!

[gringalicious]

beet kvass, I'd like to learn more about that. Did you say beet lattes? Thanks so much for the very, very kind words

[crowbarmama]

You're welcome! I only speak, or write, the truth.

Here's a post I did on kvass. There are so many health benefits and while I wouldn't say it's yummy, it's very satisfying. My body craves it more on some days than others, so I figure maybe I'm mineral deficient those days? I don't know. Anyway, let me know if you try it!

As for the beet lattes, I just steam some beets for dinner, then set some aside to blend into smoothies or these not-a-lattes. I made pink cocoa for the kids on Valentine's day and pink pancakes. I love using just the tiniest bit of beet for coloring. It's powerful stuff! I read recently that Evans Bros is now offering a beet latte. Of course it has some catchy name, but I can't remember it right now.

[irfanfuadi]

you make photo amazing. i like your photo and idea

[gringalicious]

thanks so much @irfanfuadi

[bilal9808]

the ingredients combination is wonderful.
will try this

[gringalicious]

I hope it works out great for you

[jmido8]

What a beautiful arrangement of foods! I love hummus and have made it several times as well. I love blending fresh little red chillies into mine to really kick up the heat but I have to say yours sounds quite spicy as well with the mix of cayenne powder and paprika! I'm really interested in trying to mix some beets into it. I'v never actually had beets though so I have no idea what to expect but I want to give it a try!

[gringalicious]

I hope it turns out beautifully for you, please do let me know @jmido8

[emilyl]

Oh wow, this looks so beautiful! The colorful photos look wonderful. I've never tried making hummus myself before but it seems rather easy on your recipe, lovely! :)

[gringalicious]

It is really easy, you should totally give it a try

[juliemini]

looks very delicious and healthy.
I just started a healthy life, starting the morning running in the town square and choosing healthy and nutritious food.
I want to invest in health. happy to see fresh things and positive thoughts. I just joined steemit and your post has inspired me in making my next posting.
by the way thanks for the recipe

[gringalicious]

that's fantastic, I wish you all the best

[admiralsp]

Feeling sick sucks on all level, I'm glad you are better and back with a special, as always looking at your meals leave me salivating, I wish I can make this but I don't agree with the kitchen, it hates me, lol

[gringalicious]

super kind words, thanks so much @admiralsp

[postpromoter]

You got a 6.19% upvote from @postpromoter courtesy of @gringalicious!

Want to promote your posts too? Check out the Steem Bot Tracker website for more info. If you would like to support the development of @postpromoter and the bot tracker please vote for @yabapmatt for witness!

[farzanaafroze]

Wow! So nice!

[gringalicious]

thanks

[luthfigreen]

So colorful and get well soon

[gringalicious]

that is so kind, thanks so much

[luthfigreen]

You welcome 😳

[gabriellejaimes]

El gusto entra por los ojos, ver esto lleno de color y sano da mucha motivacion para irte por lo sano. 😍❤🌻💫

[gringalicious]

muchas gracias

[safetony]

very nice Mezze platter I really like the blue corn chips really adds a nice colour to the mix :) the hummus also looks very rustic which I like

[gringalicious]

great commenting, thanks so much @safetony

[ezinwakenneth]

its good to hear you better now and back to your feet @gringalicious

looking forward to more awesome post like these one

cheers

[gringalicious]

thanks so much @ezinwakenneth

[chillymilly]

lovely photoshoot with great recipe.... thanks for sharing @gringalicious ❤

[gringalicious]

thanks so much fro commenting

[chillymilly]

thanks you too Mam @gringalicious you consider its 😊

[danieluh]

it looks very good
I need to try it

[gringalicious]

I do hope you give it a try

[steemcleanse]

Oh yummy, my favorite part would be the colored hummus, it looks absolutely delicious.

[gringalicious]

thanks so much @steemcleanse

[sneaky-ninja]

Sneaky Ninja Attack! You have just been defended with a 20.10% upvote!
I was summoned by gringalicious. I have done their bidding and now I will vanish…
woosh

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[pariza]

Good to hear that you are now well.always wish better and stay with us.todays recipe looking awesome.outstanding photography.

[gringalicious]

you're so kind @pariza, thanks so much

[jioni]

와 ! 멋져요 !!

[gringalicious]

thanks

[xuanito]

I'm glad that you feel better @gringalicious. Your sickness has not influnced your creativity - beautiful composition of vegetables, hummus and flowers 😊

[gringalicious]

always so sweet, thanks so much @xuanito

[xuanito]

😊

[drawmeaship]

Very nice that loom yumy and your photos are pretty very nice presentation:)

[gringalicious]

thanks so much

[creativewoman]

Hi my dear! Today you made oriental food, it’s arabic food! I like it! And your shot amazing,?for your flu virus you can blend the ginger with orange juice and drink it before sleep, and cover well, and you will become well, just try it.

[gringalicious]

I enjoy hearing every one's remedies. thanks again for all of your support @creativewoman

[blazing]

wow this is full of delight looks so awesome and yummy

[gringalicious]

thanks so much for your continual support @blazing