Zucchini, Goat Cheese and Sundried Tomato Roll-Ups

Another great little party treat that works anytime of the year, but how fitting are the colours for the holiday season? Funny thing is.. I am pretty sure I originally made these in the summer.

Ah well, just like the last holiday-potluck-appetizer-deliciousness seen here Cranberry Green Onion Cheese Pinwheels, these are ridiculously easy and super cute. So make them. Just do it.

Make them.

And then tell me about it. Cuz I would love to hear it.

Mango, Avocado Fresh Rolls with Soy Peanut Dipping Sauce

The name says it all. Fresh rolls. Fresssssshhhh. Ahhhh....

Traditionally found at Asian restaurants with shrimp or pork. Which are quite delicious. But yall know me and I like to switch things up a bit. I just think the colours are sooo perdy. Also I want to show you all how easy this can be! It is still a process, and may take a few tries... but it is not untouchable!

Makes a great little snackie for yourself, or awesome dish to bring to a potluck. Personally, with the amount of prep this takes, I make it worth my time and make a whole whack of them at a time.

Snack Tip: Chocolate Popcorn

Have a sweet craving? What about a salty craving? Oh crap you have both...

It is one of the greatest dilemmas of life. Sweet or salty.

Along with soft or strong Charmin toliet paper, regular fries or sweet potato fries...or most importantly ... shower before bed and sleep in but risk bed head... or get up early and guarantee gorgeousness.

So tough.

But luckily you can once again have both. This is a little trick a friend of mine taught me and I've been hooked ever since. Super easy, super duper delicious.

Balsamic Pear and Goat Cheese Dip

What better way to show up to a party, then with a bottle of wine? Or perhaps a 26er of Jack Daniels? Maybe some Tequila? Or perhaps one BAD ASS dip. 

Although some may prefer some alcohol ... ... hmm... I say I prefer the dip. Well this dip at least. 

Kale Chips

Sweet tooth? How about a SALT tooth? Ya that is more like it. Icecream? No thanks. Cookies? Maybe later. Crackers? Oh ya. Popcorn? Oooh baby. Chips? YES!!! Salty foods are a weak spot for me and when I get my hands on something, there is no stopping me. But obviously eating bags and bags of chips is clearly NOT healthy in any way shape or form. And I have stressed this point before because I know there are more like me out there! Don’t worry peeps! I feel your pain!

Sweet and Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

I am a huge snacker. I admit it. I love to snack. But more than that, I love a crunchy salty snack. Yep - I have a salt tooth. Eating chips/popcorn/pretzels can be considered one of my hobbies. Oh man, ESPECIALLY during exam time. A little studying, a little crunching. Come oooonnn ya'll know what I am talking about, we have all been there.  But clearly this isn't something I should be doing everyday (although I want to). So when I stumble on a healthy way to cope with my snack craving, I jump all over it.


Okay so chickpeas. How does that solve anything? Chickpeas are mushy. Well, let me tell you something, magic happens in that oven of yours. When you roast chickpeas, they actually become crunchy - like nuts! Seriously, it is insane. Another awesome thing about this is, chick peas are like a blank canvas. There are so many spice combinations out there to use, I guarantee there will be something to please everyone. A healthy, protein-rich quick and easy snack. Wicked.

Warm Spinach Dip

Spinach Dip!!! Wooo! Yes, spinach dip is incredibly exciting, at least it is with my group of friends! Definitely a party staple and probably the most requested recipe I have. Which makes it an obvious addition to the Ultimate Student Collection. Its ooey, its gooey and soooo tasty! Even though it is packed with cheese, (and I mean seriously packed), I use light/low fat versions to help out a bit, but surprisingly it does not sacrifice flavour.

Now I know there are a gazillion spinach dip recipes out there, but I add a little something extra that sets mine apart. That secret is slivered almonds. It adds an element of crunch to the creamy dip. Trust me, once you have the dip without them, you will miss them.

So next time you have a girls night, or you are invited to a potluck, try bring this super easy spinach dip, its sure to please the masses.

Hummus - Just as Universal as Mayo

Hummus. Love it. Absolutely love it. I dip things in it, spread it on things, mix different ingredients into it. You can use it for just about anything! Now most pre-made hummus you find in stores contain A LOT of oil and sometimes other ingredients that I can't pronounce. So once I discovered how incredibly easy it is to make my own, I never looked back to the shelves in the grocery store again.

You can mix a million different flavors into hummus twisting and turning it into different recipes, but today I will present you with the basic hummus recipe. Simple but never boring.

An important key to a good hummus is Tahini or Tahina. Tahini is basically a sesame seed paste. You can actually make it yourself, but I opt for the easy option of buying a huge tub. Why? Well its relatively cheap and it lasts forever. Nowadays you can find it at most grocery stores. Tahini reacts with the chickpeas to make a smoother texture and richer flavor (if you have ever tried to make hummus without tahini, you know what I am talkin about!

Ok... on to the recipe!

Basic Hummus 

1 can of chickpeas
2 tbsp of Tahini
1 tbsp of water or oil
1 tbsp of lemon juice (optional)
1 garlic clove
Salt to taste

Drain and rinse the chickpeas, add tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water or oil and blend. Blender is easiest option, but of course I do not have one so I use an emersion blender. Heck I have even used a potato mashed.

I choose water over oil for a healthier option. But once everything is blended, you may need to add more liquid to reach your desired consistency (depends on how thick or thin you like yours).

Also, I love garlic, so I often put in more.. but there is such a thing as too much. I think 1-2 cloves is just fine raw, but I have made it with roasted garlic and I use a lot more.

Drizzle olive oil on top and serve with chips, pita, veggies... literally whatever!