We aren't shy about the fact that we like butter, cheese and wine. But we also have a deep love for greens and vegetables. So, we kind of walk the fence when it comes to health and we are always looking out for something new. Then a little while ago I finally found out why Chia seeds are stocked at our favorite health food store, Rail City Market. It's because they are one of the healthiest foods around. They pack a ridiculous amount of health benefits into their minute size. They have 100% more omega 3-fatty acids than salmon, and six times the amount of iron than spinach. Good for the heart, good for the digestion and good for arthritis symptoms. These are not your Grandma's chia seeds and they don't come with your Chia Pet. These are a different animal altogether and they squeeze a lot into their tiny size.

So, I bought a large bag of chia seeds and I'm going to be putting them in a ton of food. They might work for health, they might not, but over the last few days of playing with them I haven't discovered any reason not to use their mild nutty flavor in a variety of recipes. Chia seeds in french onion soup with rye bread? Oh, yeah. Their crunch mimicked the caraway seeds and played off the gooey swiss cheese. And in this cilantro scallion hummus, their mild flavor compliments the tahini.

Cilantro Chia Hummus

½ can of garbanzo beans

Juice of 1 lime

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

¼ cup of olive oil

¾ cup of cilantro (including all but the roughest stems)

2 scallions, diced

2 tablespoons of tahini

1 teaspoon of chia seeds

1 teaspoon of cumin

½ teaspoon of cayenne

½ teaspoon of salt

Blend ingredients together in a food processor or blender. Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Garnish with cilantro and serve with tortillas, pita bread or sliced vegetables.

Serves 2.

(Photo by Launie Kettler)