Black Bean Hummus

If you like black beans, and you can get past the color of this delicious hummus, the flavor is worth it! I recently tried a vegetarian wrap at a restaurant that had black bean hummus in it. The flavor was so good, and totally made the wrap. I wanted to make it at home with my Ninja food processor. I found a great recipe here and followed it exactly. The fresh cilantro, lime and garlic give it so much freshness. It's great with chips, crackers or on a sandwich or wrap. 

The key ingredient to any hummus (as I've learned) is tahini (roasted sesame seed paste). You may need to search the international section of your grocery store to find it, but it is NOT the same without it. Trust me. If you use a can of regular black beans (with salt) just omit the 1/4 teaspoon of salt from the recipe.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
2 tablespoons tahini (roasted sesame seed paste)
2 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained
1 garlic clove, peeled
2 teaspoons paprika

Directions:
Place 1/4 cup cilantro, and the rest of the ingredients into a food processor; process until smooth. Spoon into a bowl; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cilantro.

That's it! Enjoy. 

Memorial Day

I am so thankful to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. 

Thank you, to all of the men and women who have served our country and continue to protect our freedoms. Thank you to the families that stand behind them. 

We are forever grateful and hold you in our hearts.

Lilac Festival 2013

The Rochester Lilac festival coincided with Mother's Day weekend this year, and everything was in bloom. Yay! In previous years, the lilacs either bloomed early and we missed them, or it was lousy weather. We added this to our list of fun weekend activities while Marilyn and Denny were visiting. 

The lilacs were larger, more beautiful and more fragrant than I can remember. 

I'm always amazed at the range of colors, beside the obvious "lilac" namesake. 

We enjoyed walking through the park, admiring the gorgeous blossoms along the way. 

Each variation different and exquisite.

And the fragrance! I couldn't resist. 

A beautiful backdrop for photos. 

Sometimes you just need to stop and smell the lilacs.

Wine Tasting

What sounds better on a Friday afternoon than driving to the Finger Lakes for a little wine tasting? That's just what we did when Marilyn and Denny came to visit us for Mother's Day weekend. 

We started the day with brunch at Simply Crepes in Canandaigua, NY. My absolute favorite spot.

Then we headed to Three Brothers Winery, in Geneva, NY. They have three wineries and a microbrewery on the estate, each with it's own unique varieties and personalities. 

We learned a lot about grapes, harvesting and even got a tour of the wine cellar. 

We had a lot of fun sampling and taking in the scenery. 

Next, we drove to Belhurst Castle, on Seneca Lake to try some of their wines. Andrew and I went to Belhurst for our second wedding anniversary. It's a beautiful place for dinner or a weekend. I can't believe we're coming up on our eighth anniversary in a couple months! 

My sweet and still in love in-laws, who recently celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary. They really are a fun pair.  

It turned out to be a beautiful afternoon. The Finger Lakes region has so much to offer if you're interested in wine and you're looking for something different to do.

Jamie and Dan's Wedding

Last weekend, we attended Jamie and Dan's wedding. Jamie and I have known each other since high school, and I couldn't be happier for her and her husband, Dan. I had the honor of designing their wedding invitations, and I couldn't wait to celebrate with them. 

The ceremony took place outside overlooking the rolling golf course. They couldn't have hoped for a more beautiful day.

Jamie looked absolutely stunning. Such a beautiful bride! 

They looked so happy together! That was the best part. 

Such pretty details - personalized sign, ombre cakes, coffee bean bar, and bright happy colors. 

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Kimenski! We pray for God's richest blessings on your marriage and new life together! xoxo