Hummus

I begin the journey...
*1) THE DECISION: I could have bought canned Garbanzo beans...but why? when I don't have to. I'm thinking this is healthier without the preservatives?

*2) THE GARBANZO BEANS: I googled "how to cook garbanzo beans in a slow cooker"
I found this: http://freshslowcooking.com/88/cooking_chickpeas_in_your_crock-pot
Cooking dry chickpeas (or other dry beans) in your slow cooker is as easy as it gets. It also has many advantages over using canned beans. If you have a large slow cooker, you can cook big batches and freeze them in ‘can-size’ portions to make them convenient too.


Cooking Chickpeas in Your Slow Cooker
Dissolve 3 tablespoons of salt in 16 cups (4L) of cold water.
Soak 1 pound (2½ cups) dry chickpeas in the salted water overnight in a covered bowl or pot.
In the morning, drain the water and rinse the chickpeas. Place them in your slow cooker, cover them with about 1-inch of water and cook until tender. Low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

Shrimp Fettucine Alfredo

I started with the AllRecipes "To Die For" and "Shrimp Fettucine Alfredo", and...:
- Used half a stick of butter (somewhere between healthier and richer)
- 5 cloves on garlic
- Took out the shrimp after 12 minutes
- Put 1/2 cup white wine at the end
- Mixed the pasta, then put the shrimp back on top...looks better for presentation as well!

Great with!
- Boiled carrots with butter & lime
- Toasted buttered Toasties

TEA: Agua Fresca - Jamaica Hibiscus

I googled "Agua Fresca- Jamaica Hibiscus" and found this:
MY PICKS!
http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/agua_de_jamaica_hibiscus_tea/
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/agua-de-jamaica-hibiscus-water/

THIS IS WHAT I DID:

• 10*3/4 cups water (I couldn't find my 1 cup)

Boiled with:

• 1/2 cup sugar, or 1/4 brown sugar cone
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• a few bits of ginger to give it a zing

• Remove from heat and throw in the prepared ~10*3/4 cups Jamaica Hibiscus
• Let sit overnight or longer in the fridge before straining
• Mix with optional soda for a bubbly delight

BENEFITS:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/426215-what-are-the-benefits-of-jamaica-flower-tea/

BLOOD PRESSURE 

Drinking a tea made from a standardized hibiscus flower extract may lower mild to moderate hypertension. 

IMMUNE SYSTEM

Jamaica flower tea has antioxidant properties and is a source of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C. Antioxidants are important for protecting your cells and organs from harmful free radicals.

http://www.ehow.com/list_5814709_benefits-jamaica-flower-tea_.html

OTHER LINKS:

http://mexicanfood.about.com/od/bebidasdrinks/r/aguahibiscus.htm
You can use it as a diuretic, a laxative or a digestive supplement. A diuretic increases the excretion of water from the body through elevating the rate of urination. A laxative induces bowel movements to help loosen stool, and you can take it to relieve constipation. A digestive supplement catalyzes the body's digestive system and enhances the normal digestive process.





I got distracted from task, and also found this beautiful flower when I searched.
http://flirtyfleurs.com/flower-science/nightfire2/