Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Hummus

Ingredients:

1 15 oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1⁄4 cup creamy peanut butter
1⁄4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
Pinch salt
Optional dark chocolate chips and additional peanut butter for garnish
Optional fruit or pretzels for serving

Instructions:

For an extra smooth hummus, remove outer skins from the chickpeas. (To easily remove the skins, toss chickpeas with about 1 teaspoon of baking soda and then microwave for about two minutes.  Then rinse with water while tossing the chickpeas).

Microwave the peanut butter for about 30 seconds or so until it is a runny consistency. In a food processor, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with dark chocolate chips and additional peanut butter, if desired. Eat plain or serve with pretzels or fruit, such as strawberries or apples.

Note: The hummus becomes thicker when it is refrigerated but it will loosen up at room temperature. If you want it to be less thick, you can add more almond milk.

Yields: 8 servings (approximately 3 tablespoons per serving)

Per serving: 122 calories, 4.26 g protein, 16.3 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 8.13 g sugars, 5 g fat, 0.82 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 128.25 mg sodium, 27.05 mg calcium, 0.01 g omega-3 fats, 14.8 IU vitamin A, 0.03 mg vitamin C, 0.25 mg vitamin E, 0.51 mg iron, 0.33 mg zinc