Maui's Natural Foods!

We recently visited Maui, land of enchantment. Not only is it an exquisitely beautiful place to visit, the food that is grown and sold on the island is magical and full of flavor. We visited two retailers which carry Lilly's Hummus on the island, and got a chance to visit, talk with them and enjoy their incredibly flavorful, delicious prepared deli foods! Yum!

Mana Foods looks like a non-descript, old wooden building on the outside, but when you enter you realize you will actually will be able to purchase Mana from Heaven. The pineapples, mangoes, papaya, fresh sprouts and other vegetables they stock are literally heaven sent. Don't visit Maui without stopping into Mana Foods and treating yourself to some sun-soaked produce, and fabulous prepared food items from their deli!

Down to Earth is another great Maui natural foods retailer. Their deli items are so thoughtfully prepared and full of deliciousness. We especially enjoyed their Kale and Edamame Salad, and salad rolls wraps, made with stuffed rice paper, veggies, tofu and peanut sauce! Such a treat. They're another must-visit store in Maui, and are conveniently located near the airport.

Aloha and Mahalo Maui! Hope to see you again someday soon!

Spotlight on Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon has been getting a lot of national attention lately. This is the lovely rooftop view from The Nines Hotel, in downtown Portland recently featured in NY Magazine's Travel Section, you can see the full article here.

Last year an IFC series debuted called Portlandia, starring Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, which was filmed entirely in our fair city! And of course, it made fun with what makes Portland so unique, our quarky citizens.

Here is a photo from Portland's Pie Off ! A very cute pie contest, staffed with officials called Pie Commissioners, and judged by local Portland pie experts and bakers. After the winners have been decided everyone eats the pie entries, and there isn't a scrap of pie left at the end! It couldn't get more wholesome fun than this, and I hope they do hold another one soon!



Portland Farmers Markets are becoming a real tradition here! Lilly's Hummus began at the main market in downtown Portland by Portland State University, and without the enthusiastic feedback from our customers, we would never have proceeded to broaden our horizon! So for that, we are grateful.

Sale! Oregon's Market of Choice Stores

Lilly's Hummus is still on sale for $2.19 (wow!) through May 15th, at all of Oregon's Market of Choice stores.

These are beautiful stores, which offer surprisingly good value, fantastic selection, and exceptional deli foods for those on-the-go. Visit them online at www.marketofchoice.com!

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Bruschetta Recipe!

Woops, he did it again! Clark from Hashcapades created another bruschetta recipe - using Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, it's made with:

Lilly's Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Chicken, Red Onion, Roasted Red Pepper, and Provolone! Layer ingredients and put in oven at 450 degrees for 6 minutes.

Don't forget to check out Clark's blog, Hashcapades. Full of awe inspiring recipes focused on a single subject - hash (this is not your momma's corned beef hash)!

Bruschetta Recipe

Here is another easy recipe from Clark at Hashcapades. He used the Smoked Tomato & Basil Hummus to make a delectable bruschetta, and was kind enough to tweet both the recipe and the photo!

Lilly's Smoked Tomato & Basil Hummus, Tomato, Grilled Artichoke, Basil and Provolone Cheese Bruschetta - layer ingredients and put in oven at 450 degrees for 6 minutes. Nummy num nums... thanks Clark!

Don't forget you can say hello to us on Twitter, and also Facebook. We'd love to hear from you!

Lilly's Hummus Recipes

People often tell us about their ideas for Lilly's Hummus recipes and serving ideas, so many that we are currently updating the web site to include them all! Most of them are very simple.

Hummus Sandwich Wrap (pictured above served with a side of veggie chips):

Lilly's Smoked Tomato & Basil Hummus

Tomato/Basil Tortilla (or choose another flavor)

Sliced, Fresh Tomatoes

Fresh Alfalfa or Bean Sprouts

Fresh Minced Red Onion

Folding the tortilla will be easier, if you first warm it in the microwave or toaster oven for about 30 seconds. Spread Lilly's Hummus down the center of your warmed tortilla. Place tomatoes, sprouts, and onion onto the hummus. Fold one end of the tortilla over (about a quarter of its length), then fold over the other two adjacent sides, forming a burrito shaped sandwich. Enjoy!

Bruschetta: -from Clark at Hashcapades

Lilly's Roasted Red Bell Hummus

Cooked Chicken (your favorite cut)

Avocado Slices

Tomato Slices

Cotija Cheese

Sliced Baguette toasted with Olive Oil

Toast 1/2 inch baguette bread slices that have been smeared with Olive Oil. This is a good stage to season with salt and pepper to your taste. Spread Lilly's Roasted Red Bell Hummus onto the toasted bread slices. Place onto those, your chicken, then sliced tomato and avocado. Crumble Cotija Cheese over the top. Place onto cooking sheet and warm under the broiler for a few minutes, until cheese begins to melt. Serve!

Spicy Jalapeno Nachos:

Lilly's Roasted Jalapeno Hummus

Your Favorite Tortilla Chips

Grated Jack Cheese or Soy Cheeze

Fresh Tomato Salsa

You can scale this recipe up or down, depending on how many people you serve. Yourself? A crowd! Place tortilla chips onto a plate or platter. Scoop Lilly's Roasted Jalapeno Hummus into the center of the plate. Grate Jack or Soy Cheese over the hummus and tortilla chips. Place into a microwave, or better yet - a toaster oven and remove when tortillas begin to lightly toast, and the cheese melts. Spoon fresh tomato salsa over the top of the hummus. Serve warm!

Portland's Urban Growth Boundary

Cooking Up A Story is a show and web site about food, people, and sustainable living. Check out their recent article/show about Portland's urban growth boundary and it's relationship to the threatened perimeter Oregon farms.

Urban Growth Boundary:

Oregon Agriculture, Economy, and Managed Growth (video)

Photo by Kevin McNeal on Flickr