Mediterranean Layer Dip

Hummus

Ingredients:

3 16 oz. cans chick peas, drained and rinsed

3 tsp minced garlic

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. ground cumin

2-3 dashes cayenne

In measuring cup juice of 5-6 lemons + 3/4 cup water

In measuring cup 9 tbs. tahini + 6 tbs. olive oil

Directions:

Add first five ingredients to processor and process on high about 20 seconds. Stop and scrape down bowl and process 10 seconds more. Then while processing pour in steady stream through food tube the lemon/water. Then stop and scrape down bowl and process for one minute. While processing pour tahini/olive oil in steady stream through food tube. Continue to process until smooth and creamy, stopping and scraping down bowl as needed. Spread in platter.  

This recipe is for layer dip but you can certainly have just the hummus.  Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with parsley and paprika. Serve with fresh warm pita bread.  As an alternative you may also drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette and sprinkle with roasted pine nuts.  Or make an olive hummus by adding about 1/4 cup chopped olives and a splash of olive juice at the end and then garnish drizzled olive oil and top with more chopped olives. 

Pesto

Ingredients:

2 bundles of cilantro

2 tsp. minced garlic

4 tbs. pine nuts

4 tbs. chopped pecans

1/2 cup plus 4 tbs. extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions: 

Soak and rinse cilantro. Dry well with paper towels. Cut of majority of stems. Mince garlic. Combine in bowl of processor the cilantro, garlic, pine nuts, pecans, and 4 tbs. of oil. Process for about twenty seconds, stop, scrape down bowl and repeat. Then while processor running pour remaining oil in a steady stream through food tube. Stop and scrape down bowl whenever necessary. Transfer to bowl and fold in Parmesan cheese. 

Layer dip: 

Spread pesto over hummus. Top with any combination or all of the following and adjust to suite to your taste: sliced olives, peeled seeded diced cucumber, chopped red onion, cilantro or parsley, feta cheese, sun dried tomatoes julienned, sliced banana peppers. I like to drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette at the end. This layer dip will fill a large platter and serves a pretty large crowd you may need to half the recipe.