Healthy cookie dough dip

I love hosting parties for friends and having everyone get together. Setting up and getting the food ready is my favorite part. This time I used all white plates and bowls to make the food "pop" and look appealing.

On my menu:
-Homemade guacamole
-Mango salsa
-Whole-grain chips
-Carrots, broccoli, and red peppers with hummus
-Cranberry goat cheese with crackers
-Healthy cookie dough dip with graham crackers and animal crackers

Since it was later in the night, I figured everyone ate dinner, so snacks would be a good option. The one item I HAVE to have on the menu is a veggie tray because you can use the veggies for dips and is just so healthy! Many people use a ranch dip or other creamy dips to dip veggies into, but I think hummus is the best option. Another option is making a ranch or dill dip with greek yogurt. Some stores sell packets of ranch or dill dip and you can just add it to greek yogurt for a healthier alternative (without losing flavor).

Healthy Cookie Dough Dip

Ingredients:

- 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)

-1/8 tsp salt

-1/8 tsp baking soda

-3 tsp vanilla extract

-1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (can use any other nut butter)

-1/4 cup unsweetened soy milk (any kind of milk)

-2/3 cup brown sugar or any kind of sweetener

-2 tbsp oats (optional depending if you want a thicker dip)

-1/3 cup chocolate chips (I used dark chocolate)

-Dippers: graham crackers, animal crackers, etc.

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients (except chocolate chips) to a good food processor or magic bullet. Blend until smooth.
2. Mix in chocolate chips
3. Serve with dippers of choice and enjoy this healthy dessert (with protein!!)!

-Recipe from chocolatecoveredkatie.com

*Fun Facts About Chickpeas*

-Also known as garbanzo beans

-1 cup= 269 calories, 4g fat, 45g carbs, 12g fiber, 15g protein

-Vitamins: thiamin, B6, folate, vit E, vit K, vit A, vit C, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid

-Minerals: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, potassium

-Can buy dried or canned

-If you buy canned chickpeas, rinse before using to remove sodium

-Vegetarian protein choice

-Add to salads, pasta dishes, chilies, stews, and make different dips