America!! America!!
Yes, tomorrow I’ll be boarding a plane to start the long journey to America. I cannot believe that our trip has already arrived and that in a few days I’ll be seeing my family and enjoying all the comforts of my home country. Brett and I have been counting down the days until this trip, but, at the same time, it still seems surreal to us that we’ll be in America soon. I’m thinking our constant travels have tricked us into thinking this is just another trip and the fact that we’ll be seeing family in a few days hasn’t sunk in. Either way, I know once we get there we’ll be in heaven seeing all our friends and family. Of course, I’m sure there will also be some culture shock as we remember all the things we love (certain foods, sanitation laws, lack of language barriers, etc.), but don’t have have access to in China.
I miss my family tons in China, but to be honest, a lot of the times the phrase “out of sight, out of mind” takes over and it’s only when I’m Skyping with them that I remember how much of their lives I’m missing out on. I know seeing my siblings, nieces and nephews in person will be bitter sweet as they will have grown and changed so much in just these past 8 months that we’ve been away. But I’m hoping that while we’re together I’ll be able to soak up every minute with them and not think about how I probably won’t see them for a long, long time once we’re back in China. I’m just so thankful for this opportunity to take a short trip back home and spend time in such a wonderful country.
Speaking of such a wonderful country, can we talk about how amazing the food is in America?! I’ve literally been dreaming of what it’s going to be like to stroll through such clean, organized, and abundant grocery stores. Food is so convenient in America. Pre-washed veggies, oven-ready entrees, and all the variety you could desire of flours, nut butters, dairy-free milks and yogurts, cereals and more. BREAD especially is something I’ve missed so much since moving to China. While there is tons of bread here, it’s almost always steamed buns made with white flour. I so miss being able to walk into the grocery story and by sliced, whole grain, delicious bread!
Thankfully, I’ve gotten my hands on a bread machine, so now my cravings have been met! This past week (I’m not even kididng) we went through three loaves of bread and a batch of bagels. Yeah, I wasn’t kidding about those bread cravings.
Since I’ve been eating so much bread, I thought it would be fun to make a more special, unique toast topper to enjoy with our freshly made bread.
Introducing: Lemon Avocado Chickpea Mash!
I’m obsessed with this spread. It’s zesty, creamy and hearty and is delicious on its own or as a spread in a veggie sandwich. It takes minutes to prepare and you can easily adapt it by using different seasonings. I love spreading this Lemon Avocado Chickpea Mash on toasted bread and then topping it with tomato, nutritional yeast, red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt. Perfection!
I hope you all can give this simple recipe a try! If you do, let me know your thoughts in the comments or even better, take a picture and tag #theconscientiouseater on Instagram!
- 1 15 oz. chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 avocados
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons minced green onion
- salt and pepper to taste
- In a medium sized bowl, mash the chickpeas until almost all the beans have been mashed, leaving a few whole for texture.
- Add in the avocado, lemon juice, green onion and a large pinch of salt and pepper. Mash until everything is combined.
- Taste and add more lemon juice, salt and pepper as needed.
- Spread on toast, sandwiches or use as a dip for veggies and crackers!
I’m linking up with Deborah and Sarah for Meatless Monday!
Eat Consciously,
Faith
Would it work to heat the spread for a hot sandwich?
Hi Mary Jo! I’ve never heated it up, and while I think it would be fine, I would suggest adding it to an already heated sandwich. Hope that helps!
i bet your gonna have an awesome time back in America and back to your old comforts haha. This is such a simple and tasty lunch/breakfast right here, love that it includes AVOCADO!!! Pinned 🙂
rachel @ Athletic Avocado recently posted…Caramel Macchiato Overnight Oatmeal
Ah I hope so Rachel!! And so glad you like the looks of this recipe! Hope you can give it a go!
Have fun in the US/NYC. I have another week before I go back to Europe.
Thanks! I’m sure I will! Enjoy the rest of your time as well!
I had some avocado and whole wheat crackers for breakfast just before I opened your blog. Will have to try your recipe.
Its so exciting to hear your going back home (USA) to your country, friends and family. You have done such a good job living in China trying to learn the language and adapt to a strange environment.
All travels are exciting but in the end there is no place like home!!
Thanks for your encouragement Elsje!! And this would be perfect with crackers too so I hope you can give it a try!
Guac, meet hummus! You are going to be best friends and I am going to eat you all up on top of some crunchy delicious carbs <3 This sounds like the ultimate savory toast spread! Plus lemon. Lemon makes everything that much better 🙂 I hope you have oodles of fun coming coming back, devouring all the easy food options, and seeing family!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Vegan Mini Powdered Donuts + GIVEAWAY
I’m obsessed with lemon! It’s my go-to condiment for my veggies. Thanks for the well wishes too!
This sounds absolutely amazing, can’t wait to try it! Pinned 🙂 Safe travels & enjoy your family!!
Angela recently posted…Sunday Fitness & Food Link-Up: Roasted Broccoli & Sweet Potatoes in Coconut Oil
Glad you like this recipe Angela! Let me know if you make it and what you think!
One of the best ways to enjoy get some protein and an avocado fix! Hope you have a great trip, thank you for linking up with us and spreading and sharing the Meatless Monday love.
Sarah recently posted…Lemon Ricotta Asparagus Pasta (dairy-free)
I agree Sarah! And thanks for hosting this weekly round-up!
Chick pea and avocado is one of my go to for lunch too! Super yum thanks for linkingup and have a wonderful trip
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Grown Up Grilled Cheese & Baked Polenta Fries
Oh good! Glad you like this combo! Thanks for hosting:)
Enjoy every moment and safe travels!!!
Chickpea mashes are so good! Any bean spread/mash just has so many uses which I love!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Cream Stuffed Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
Thanks Rebecca! I’ll try my best;)
Yummm!! This sounds so good! I’ve been wanting to bake my own bread, but its a taunting task. Sooooon.
I can’t imagine how it must feel anticipating coming back to America from China because I think it’s going to feel weird going back to Canada from here! I hope you bring an extra big suitcase to fill with all the food 😉
Leah M @ love me, feed me recently posted…goddess provisions box review
We think alike! I literally just set out our biggest black suitcase to bring with us…mostly for food:) I forget you’re from Canada! Yeah, that will be weird to go back I’m sure. Excited to hear more about your life on Thurs:)