Trivia question.
What is the most expensive drink at Starbucks? A $9 Grande Latte with a few fancy add-ins? $15 with some extra espresso shots?
$15 was my guess.
According to this article from Eater, the most expensive drink you can order is $23.60! Lucky for him, the customer had a free drink coupon.
Source: eater.com
This monstrosity was a Trenta (I didn’t even know that was a size) Java Chip Frappuccino with 16 shots of espresso, a shot of soy milk, caramel flavoring, banana puree, strawberry puree, vanilla beans, Matcha powder, protein powder, and a drizzle of caramel and mocha.
It reportedly didn’t even taste good.
Just thinking about that drink makes me NOT miss drinking coffee during this cleanse.
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What I do miss are beans.
I can assure you with all these greens there is still plenty of music! 
One of the hardest parts about being on this cleanse is not having hummus. Like any good blogger, hummus is a staple food for me. It has it’s own level on my personal food pyramid.
Remember this pic from Wednesday?
As I was roasting squash this weekend, I remembered a hummus I made last summer using butternut squash rather than chickpeas.
This is a new version of that, with thyme being the herb addition rather than rosemary. I don’t know which I like better!
My butternut was one of the sweetest I’ve ever had. Some of that is probably the squash itself, but I also roasted it longer than I usually do. Truth: I kind of forgot it was in the oven.
The longer bake time resulted in a sweet glaze on the squash. When I lifted it off to the foil I baked it on, I noticed a caramel had formed on the bottom where the juices spilled over. I promptly ate that up.
Squash caramel aside, you should try this hummus. It’s wonderful with veggies and crackers. Thin it out with some apple cider vinegar and water for a salad dressing. Spread it on a sandwich.
Serve it as an appetizer with crudités and a yeasty sparkling wine (*drool*).
You really can’t go wrong.
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Butternut Thyme Hummus
- 2 C butternut squash, roasted
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 T fresh thyme
- 1 T tahini
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- S+P, to taste
Place all ingredients into food processor and blend until smooth. Adjust spices, salt, and pepper to your preference.
Makes 1.5 cups.
***
Tonight is another cleanse dinner. We lost one cleanse buddy, but my BFF and I are still going strong! I’m making root veggie fries to go with her homemade tomato soup… it’s our version of french fries and ketchup.
What are you doing this weekend? Any fun adventures planned?
What is your favorite hummus flavor?
68 comments
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Claire @ Live and Love to Eat
February 17, 2012 at 8:14 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I read that article on the bus this morning. I always try to get the “most” for my free drink coupons, but I still want it to be something I like! Beautiful hummus.
Laura
February 17, 2012 at 11:22 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m the same way – I get over-excited every year on my birthday and order a giant coffee I can never finish.
Lee
February 17, 2012 at 8:16 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I think root veggie fries are just as good as any kind!
This hummus looks delicious. I’ve never tried a bean-free kind.
Laura
February 17, 2012 at 11:23 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I agree with the exception of waffle fries.
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate
February 17, 2012 at 8:25 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I think that much caffeine would kill my heart. LOL.
Laura
February 17, 2012 at 11:24 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
They said it was 1400g!
janet @ the taste space
February 17, 2012 at 8:35 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
What a wonderful variation on hummus. There is no way I could survive without beans… really.
Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal Family
February 17, 2012 at 8:41 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love roasted red pepper hummus, spinach and artichoke hummus, Greek olive hummus, sun dried tomato…I think you get the picture (I didn’t meet a hummus I didn’t like).
I like the use of squash instead of beans…brilliant!
As for weekend plans I have a babysitter for the kids so my husband and I are going to venture out to dinner and Trader Joe’s…I know super romantic, but what can I say I LOVE grocery stores.
Runblondie26
February 17, 2012 at 8:47 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You never disappoint with the interesting trivia.
Great hummus idea! Sounds like it would make a good fruit dip by swapping out the savory spices. Mmmm, carmelized butternut squash……
Laura
February 17, 2012 at 11:30 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOL! I’m a wealth of useless knowledge.
I bet it would be a great fruit dip – I had some particularly sweet carrots with it yesterday and it was fantastic.
Khushboo
February 17, 2012 at 8:50 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That part about greens made me crack up- so true! Thanks for such a yummy recipe- no butternut squash in Mumbai but I want to try it with fresh pumpkin instead!
Laura
February 17, 2012 at 11:32 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That’s great idea! I’d love that with some peptias sprinkled on top. Maybe add some coriander?
Alayna @ Thyme Bombe
February 17, 2012 at 9:08 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Great idea to get around not being allowed to eat beans. That does look really delicious, and i have a butternut squash just chillin in my pantry begging for me to make something with it.
Laura
February 17, 2012 at 11:33 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Let me know if you try it – I bet you’ll think of a amazing twist on it.
Healthiful Balance
February 17, 2012 at 9:42 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That Hummus looks awesome.. I love the color of it!
Lisa ♥ Healthful Sense
February 17, 2012 at 9:48 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That is crazy!!! $20 for a coffee…. come on!
Love the idea of butternut squash hummus… I’m loving how creative you have to get on a cleanse. Do you think you would have ever thought of butternut squash hummus otherwise?
=)
Laura
February 17, 2012 at 11:35 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Well, I did make it last summer… but that was after cleanse #1 which totally changed my way to thinking. It has been a HUGE factor in creativity when developing dishes.
This time around I’ve made more funky smoothies and chia puddings that I ever thought possible. Loving it!
Mary Ellen @ Pâte à Chew
February 17, 2012 at 10:17 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
What a great idea! I love butternut squash and hummus, so this is a perfect way to lighten up traditional hummus (which is so fattening when eaten in large quantities … which is the only way I eat it!).
Laura
February 17, 2012 at 11:36 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
For sure! I think 2T came out to be about 20 calories.
RavieNomNoms
February 17, 2012 at 10:52 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
What a great hummus to try out! It looks very very tasty! I would have a really hard time not eating beans!!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
February 17, 2012 at 11:11 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This reminds me of my squash-a-mole and that makes me happy.
I am willing to forgive you for the fact that this can’t really be hummus…since there aren’t any chickpeas in it.
But I love winter squash and thyme…so I’d probably LOVE this.
Laura
February 17, 2012 at 11:38 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Your squash-a-mole was cheer genius. Actually… that just made me think of mole… what if you did a cocoa squash-a-mole? Like a mole. Mmmmm…
Kaitlin
February 17, 2012 at 11:51 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh. My. God. Can you PLEASE send me a gallon of this tomorrow?
This looks amazing!
Laura
February 18, 2012 at 10:46 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ll trade you for some of your cupcakes.
Greg
February 17, 2012 at 11:51 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Well, I love beans, but this a brilliant idea and a brilliant color! Looks great.
sportsglutton
February 17, 2012 at 11:54 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hi Laura….I’m finally home from my travels and have the time to catch up with my friends in the blog-o-sphere.
I can’t even imagine spending 9-23 bucks on coffee not to mention a coffee from Starbucks. That is plain crazy.
Hope you have been well.
Laura
February 18, 2012 at 10:47 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Welcome back – you’ve been missed!
Sara @my less serious life
February 17, 2012 at 12:12 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
butternut hummus is really creative! and sounds delicious too!
Mattie @ Comfy and Confident
February 17, 2012 at 12:37 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That drink doesn’t even sound good. there is way too much going on. But that hummus on the other hand looks great. I bright color is fab.
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean
February 17, 2012 at 1:35 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
if you need a drink with 16 shots of expresso you probably have some more serious issues than how expensive your drink is!!
Choc Chip Uru
February 17, 2012 at 1:49 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This is a great twist on the usual hummus – looks delicious and has beautiful colouring
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Latest: Healthiest Natural Sugars Muesli Bars
Sui
February 17, 2012 at 1:56 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You do come up with some very creative ideas, I would never have thought to make a hummus from squash. For me hummus are beans, I will have to give this a try, it sounds tasty.
Laura
February 18, 2012 at 10:53 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you! I didn’t miss the beans in this one. That actually surprised me!
Heather @ Get Healtyy with Heather
February 17, 2012 at 2:16 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Such a unique hummus! Sounds soooooo good
Heather @ Better With Veggies
February 17, 2012 at 2:19 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Sounds like a yummy cleanse dinner plan for the night! I’ve got a 22 mile run tomorrow, party tomorrow night, supporting racers at a 5K on Sunday, and dinner with Kirk’s cousin on Sunday. I hope I get some chill time in there somewhere!
Laura
February 18, 2012 at 10:56 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m tired just reading about your weekend. Hope you’re having a good one, and I want to hear all about the party.
Laura @ LauraLivesLife
February 17, 2012 at 2:52 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
There is NO WAY that drink tasted good, let alone was healthy. I love my coffee and I probably drink a full pot before 9 am, but I think even that would make me sick. No good!
Laura
February 18, 2012 at 10:57 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
He would have been in the hospital if he’d finished that monster! I’m impressed you can get a pot down – I struggle to finish a glass.
Maureen
February 17, 2012 at 4:27 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I never thought of butternut hummus but I certainly won’t forget it. It looks great.
No Starbucks in my town. Imagine that.
Lots of coffee shops in our coastal town in Australia but no Starbucks.
Laura
February 18, 2012 at 11:00 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
No Starbucks?! *gasp* I can’t say I feel bad for you when you’re in a coastal Australian town.
Rande McDaniel @ The Vegetable Centric Kitchen
February 17, 2012 at 4:52 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love a good bean-free hummus, this sounds fantastic! My adventure for the weekend is to not have any adventures! I have plenty to come, it’s time to rest
Laura
February 18, 2012 at 11:01 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ohhhh… what’s to come?
Rande McDaniel @ The Vegetable Centric Kitchen
February 18, 2012 at 11:04 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Planning on trips to Phoenix, Portland, St. Louis, and NYC in the next few months
Laura
February 18, 2012 at 11:14 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Lucky! I want to go to NYC so bad.
Candy @ Healthy In Candy Land
February 17, 2012 at 5:15 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Since I don’t drink coffee, it was pretty anticlimactic to go to Starbucks for my free birthday drink and order a Grande Green Tea. It normally costs like $1.50.
I’ve never tried bean-free hummus, but I am intrigued! You can’t go wrong with bnut squash anyway, but this sounds fantastic! I made hummus yesterday too–carrot hummus. ‘Twas delish. I have too many favorites to choose just one flavor…
Nada (One Arab Vegan)
February 17, 2012 at 7:43 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Butternut hummus sounds so good! I would probably make with a combination of squash and chickpeas but love the thyme as well – making soon for sure.
Laura
February 18, 2012 at 11:13 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That would be a great take on it – the beans do add more density. I was thinking it would be a good “coating” for baked tofu too.
Eliot
February 17, 2012 at 8:43 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I get those coupons from Stabucks. Who knew that I could rack up a $23 bill?
Love this recipe—genius!
Laura
February 18, 2012 at 11:15 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You have to get as much as you can for your coupon!
Chelsea @ Naturally Sweet Recipes
February 17, 2012 at 9:51 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Great recipe- so creative! It looks delicious!
Hannah
February 17, 2012 at 11:46 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh my gosh, that would be so icky! Matcha and banana and strawberry?! UGH! I still miss the plain coffee frappuccinos though
Ari@The DiVa DiSh
February 18, 2012 at 1:42 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love butternut squash because of how sweet it is! Perfect hummus sub if you as me…and banana puree with espresso shots..sounds interesting
thehealthyapron
February 18, 2012 at 7:59 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The only thing that bugs me about butternut squash is cutting it! I have such a hard time! Any tricks or tips to sharE?
Laura
February 18, 2012 at 11:18 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
If it’s too hard, pop it in the microwave for a bit. Start with 45-60 secs and go from there. It will soften the squash enough to cut. I have to do this just about every time.
Hayley @ Oat Couture
February 18, 2012 at 12:17 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Who on earth needs 16 shots of espresso?!? I wouldn’t sleep for weeks!!! And can you imagine the palpitations!! Lol!
Laura
February 18, 2012 at 11:20 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
For real! You would have the most jacked up workout ever. Talk about Insanity…
corey @ learning patience
February 18, 2012 at 8:49 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I saw that drink order on the Today show and it made me sick…. SERIOUSLY? They actually said a person can die from that much caffeine at once. CRAZY.
I love your hummus recipe!
xoxo from Trinidad
Kiri W.
February 19, 2012 at 6:55 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This is fascinating! I’d never though to use squash in hummus, but it looks absolutely delicious. Well done, and congrats on Top 9!
Laura
February 19, 2012 at 11:06 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you! Try it out – I’m eating it like candy.
Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons
February 19, 2012 at 7:28 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
bahahaha i love that that pricey bevv didn’t even taste good. love that article! and love your hummus!!!! it looks so decadent and healthy at the same time — which is obv my favorite combo <3
thanks for the super sweet comment, as always love
you're the best!
Baking Serendipity
February 19, 2012 at 11:17 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I never thought to make hummus with squash! I’ve been loving it lately, and this switch-up sounds fantastic
Kristina
February 20, 2012 at 10:05 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
$23?? Thats actually insane. I used to spend like $3 at starbucks…. every morning! And that about cleaned me out, since then I’ve made friends with my own coffee maker
I love this hummus recipe you created! I would’ve never thought to substitute in butternut squash, sounds delicious!
Laura
February 20, 2012 at 10:50 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m the same way – the only time I get it now is in the airport on business trips when I can expense it.
Ally
February 20, 2012 at 1:39 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Haha, that Starbucks drink order made me laugh! I’ve always wondered what the most expensive order would be… fun!
This hummus looks amazing. Love butternut squash!
xo
http://allykayler.blogspot.com/
Gourmantine
February 20, 2012 at 5:27 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
OMG… I don’t think you could even call that coffee anymore.. more like a coffee smoothie or toss up or something like that… and doesn’t sound inviting by even a bit… the butternut squash hummus on the other hand sounds delicious!
Hummus fan
February 22, 2012 at 3:21 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This looks very good!! I just wanna say it can’t be called hummus without the chickpeas, because the word literally means chickpea dip. Looks great though!
Laura
February 22, 2012 at 9:08 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I know, I know… but it has tahini!
Hummus fan
February 23, 2012 at 8:08 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
hahah my dad does the opposite, he uses chickpeas and NO tahini!!!! I love tahini but he hates it.