Pictured: Herbed Fava Bean dip from Happiness Within makes an awesome crudite dip or spread for warm bread.

Talk of the Party: New Dips from Happiness Within

Think you’ve found the perfect Hummus? Think again! Just wait until you try the new handmade hummus and other dips from Happiness Within

You already know her baklava….that heavenly sweet, delicate and handmade treat created from 50 layers of paper-thin pastry sheets and drizzled with a from-scratch simple syrup. You can taste the goodness and artisan touch in each piece. The same goes for her new dips, which we’re proud to introduce to you today!

Our local vendor Heba Badran of Happiness Within has created a couple new and sensationally delicious dips, including Hummus and Herbed Fava Bean, that are sure to be talk of any party. Plus, you can get one free the week of Dec. 7-13, 2011, with your coupon and a purchase of $30 or more! Free makes for a better party, right?

Heba says she was encouraged to bring her dips to Sigona’s when friends commented on how light tasting and flavorful it is, and especially after its success at the Palo Alto Farmers’ Market.

“My family hummus recipe has no added oils, not a drop, yet it’s still really creamy, and I use fresh ingredients, giving an airy and much more flavorful taste,” said Heba. “It excites me to hear, from people who’ve tasted many types of Hummus, that mine is the most flavorful. But I can’t take the credit for it; I’m really grateful for all the naturally talented cooks in my family. They’ve inspired me, and sometimes told me downright how to do it!”

We’ve been sampling Heba’s dips in our stores, and they’ve already seen much success, particularly among families with children because the hummus is not over garlicky or spicy. “You can taste the goodness and know she cooks from the heart,” said John Nava, Sigona’s specialty foods buyer.

Of her Herbed Fava Bean Dip, Heba says it offers a totally new mix of ingredients previously unknown locally. “I like to think my recipe is a symphony of flavors, because I cook the beans with fresh herbs, fresh onions, fresh garlic, spices and olive oil. It totally transforms the mild-tasting beans, creating a flavor explosion.”

Heba and her delicious creations have been featured in the Palo Alto Weekly.

Heba says sampling has helped convert people who never used to like fava beans, because they now taste the flavor they missed. We agree – you’ve got to try it to believe it – it’s perfect as a crudite dip or as a spread warm bread.

Heba is amazed with the reception of her dips, which she reports have also landed her a feature in the Palo Alto Weekly. Don’t forget you get to try one of the dips free the week of Dec.7-13, 2011, with your coupon. While you’re at the store, remember to pick up some pita and veggies to go with it!