tzatziki

1 6 oz. container of Greek yogurt (I use Face)
1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely diced
1 tablespoon fresh dill leaves, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

Though some recipes encourage you to put all of the ingredients in a food processor, I suggest you dice everything well and mix it by hand to give it a chunkier texture. Make it as early as possible -- even the night before -- so the flavors have a chance to marry. We made this sauce to go with the falafel waffles and avocado hummus.

Peace,
Milton

avocado hummus

1 can (15 oz.) garbanzo beans (chickpeas)

2 avocados
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup tahini
1/2 cup olive oil
salt and pepper

Open the can of garbanzo beans and drain them in a colander, then rinse them well. Place them in a food processor with the avocados, lemon juice, and tahini. Puree the mixture and stream in the olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste.

That's right -- it's sitting on a falafel waffle with tzatziki on the side.

Peace,
Milton

butternut squash hummus

3 cups roasted butternut squash
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)
8-10 pitted green olives
2 cloves roasted garlic
salt and pepper to taste

Cut the butternut squash in cubes and toss with olive oil. Place on a baking sheet and roast in a 400 oven. Check after about fifteen minutes. You want it to be soft and browned a little. Remove and let cool. Then put it in a food processor and add the other ingredients. You can also add a couple of tablespoons of water, if it seems too thick. Process until it is creamy -- two or three minutes, at least.

Peace
Milton

black-eyed pea hummus

I know I’m a little early, but here’s a little bit different way to get your black-eyed peas for New Year’s Day.

1 lb black-eyed peas, dry

Soak beans overnight. Drain and return to pot; cover with water and add

5 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons of sugar

Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and let simmer until peas are soft. Drain and spread out on a baking sheet; cool to room temperature. Put the peas and garlic in a food processor and add

2/3 cup tahini
1/4 cup lemon juice
Tabasco sauce
salt and pepper

Turn on the machine and stream in

olive oil

slowly until the mixture has the consistency you want. I’ve never measured how much oil I add. You will process the mixture for four or five minutes.

Spoon out into a bowl and serve with pita chips or crackers. I like to garnish it with tear jerkers for a little extra something.

Peace,
Milton