tzatziki

source: martha stewart

this has also been modified by me over the years to make it easier & quicker, & even more delicious! shaun spent a summer in greece, & he helped me fine tune this recipe.

1 large container plain yogurt {NOT lowfat!}
1-2 cucumbers, peeled & seeded
2-3 tablespoons dill {i use dried, but fresh is nice, too, just use more}
3-5 cloves garlic, minced {this is the one time i use my garlic press & think it matters}
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
coarse salt, to taste


1. drain the yogurt using a large fine sieve lined with coffee filters for minimum 4 hours in the fridge. {you can buy greek yogurt which is already thicker, but this method is cheaper!}

2. in a food processor, add all ingredients & pulse until smooth. add more garlic & salt as desired. {we love it super-duper garlicky.}

serve with pita chips, chickpea fritters, london broil, or on gyros! also good with veggies.

chickpea fritters

source: martha stewart

this is modified from an old martha stewart magazine recipe. i've memorized it, so it's morphed over the years to be whatever i can remember to do. i've made it so much now, that this is what i tend to repeat each time i make it.

[pictured with tzatziki]

5 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 large onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 teaspoons cumin
2-3 pinches cayenne pepper
2 cans chickpeas {drained & rinsed}
1 egg
1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 - 1/2 cup flour 


1. in a pan over medium-high heat, saute the onion in 1 tablespoon olive oil until tender & slightly caramelized.

2. add sesame seeds, cumin, & cayenne, & saute another 1-2 minutes to develop the flavors.

3. in a food processor, add chickpeas, egg, lemon juice, & onion mixture.  pulse until smooth.

4. transfer chickpea mixture to a bowl, & add flour a few tablespoons at a time until able to make small patties. {will still be a little sticky.}

5. make small patties, approximately 2-3 inches across & 3/8" thick.

6. add patties as you make them to a saute pan over medium to medium-high heat in 2 tablespoons olive oil. {work in two batches, & add more olive oil as needed.} cook 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.

serve hot or room temperature. great with tzatziki!

hummus

source: dr. jeff white | raleigh, nc

hummus is one of those things that can be gross if not properly seasoned.  one of shaun's colleagues back at nc state has traveled widely & makes a great mediterranean spread, & his hummus is the best!

2 cans chickpeas {15 oz. each}
6 tablespoons tahini {sesame paste}
1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1-2 tablespoons ground cumin
coarse salt, to taste
1/4 cup water {if needed}


1. add all ingredients, except water, to a food processor.  pulse until pureed, streaming in water as needed to reach desired dippable consistency.

experiment with your lemon juice & cumin ratios to find your desired taste.  i love LOTS of cumin, maybe even more like 3 tablespoons.  you can also add garlic & onion powders/flavors.  for variation, you can add a roasted red pepper, too.

rustic vegetable tart

my friend olivia's favorite day of the year is october 1st because it symbolizes for her the beginning of autumn! every year, she enjoys various autumn rituals on this day, including an earthy fall-inspired meal with friends. my sister, vanessa, is rooming with olivia now & so got to share in this feast. she called me up for this recipe, & it was a hit along with olivia's pumpkin soup. it's great as an appetizer for several people or a meal for 2-4 people. {this recipe is not original to me, but it is - of course - modified. i *think* it's from rachael ray.}

olive oil
4 c. vegetables, chopped into 1/2" cubes
   - sweet potato
   - turnip
   - carrot
   - red onion
   - eggplant
   - parsnip
   - butternut squash
   - acorn squash
   - cauliflower
2-4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped {optional}
1 t. dried rosemary {or other earthy herb of choice}
1/2 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
1 9" pie crust {store-bought}

{i usually pick 4-5 veggies that look good in the store, & i mix & match the recipe each time i make it.}

1. mix together chopped vegetables with olive oil, garlic if desired, & the rosemary. coat thoroughly, & spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
2. roast vegetables at 350F for 30-35 minutes, turning once halfway through.
3. roll out pie crust - you can make this as one large tart or as several individual appetizers. one tart: place crust on baking sheet. smaller servings: cut out rounds with a biscuit cutter, & place each one in a muffin tin.
4. pour vegetables into the center of the tart(s), leaving a 1" border for the large tart. sprinkle with crumbled feta, & fold edges over the vegetable mixture.
5. bake tart(s) according to pie crust directions.

serve large tart for dinner with a wilted lettuce salad or a serving of roasted meat. serve appetizers along side any hearty meal - especially great with soups!