Although there are some store-bought varieties of hummus that are good, none compares to this luxurious version. For a delicious lunch, try spooning leftover hummus over sauted vegetables that have been stuffed into pita bread. MAKES ABOUT 2ВЅ CUPS 16-ounce can…
Pesto is usually served as a sauce on pasta and sometimes is used to enhance vegetables. But by far the most luscious way to enjoy pesto that I know of is to spread it on slices of toasted French bread and have them as an appetizer. MAKES 12 SLICES 12 slices French…
This is a richly flavored, spicy dip that is very easy to prepare. It is one of my favorite appetizers, and a good choice to acquaint newcomers to the flavors of curry. I highly recommend serving it with hot pita bread triangles so you can scoop it up, but it also…
This dip deserves the popularity that it has gained. Though it’s delicious served with crackers or crudits, I think it’s even more appetizing when served with corn chips. MAKES 1Вј CUPS 2 ripe avocados (preferably Hass variety) Juice of ВЅ lemon or lime 1…
This spread is reminiscent of the filling of traditional cheese ravioli and lasagna so luscious and satisfying. MAKES 1ВЅ CUPS 1 cup ricotta cheese (preferably part-skim) Вј cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon milk 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons minced fresh…
This Middle Eastern method of making fresh cheese out of yogurt is easy and fun. You simply place the yogurt in a cheesecloth-lined strainer and let it drip until the yogurt reaches the consistency you want; the longer it drips, the firmer it gets. To make a creamy…
This is a simple Greek dip that has a pungent garlic flavor. It is especially good served with hot pita bread triangles. MAKES 1Вј CUPS ВЅ medium cucumber 1 cup yogurt 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill Вј teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon minced fresh…
Waldorf Salad MAKES: 4 servings TIME: 15 minutes This should be a peppery blend of apples, celery, and mayonnaise. Nuts are optional, as are raisins, a bit of honey, and grated carrots, any of which may appeal to you but none of which is essential. Try using half…
Tomato Salad, Ethiopian Style MAKES: 4 servings TIME: 15 minutes, plus time to chill If you have time to chop tomatoes, you have time to make this salad, which also works as a relish to eat with sandwiches and salads. The light, fresh-tasting, oil-free dressing…
Tabbouleh MAKES: 4 servings TIME: 40 minutes Tabbouleh is all about herbs. The grain may be the traditional bulgur or quinoa, millet, or even rice (which, because it is starchier, may require a bit more dressing). But you must include fresh herbs, and lots of them, to…
Steamed Mushroom Salad with Coriander MAKES: 4 servings TIME: 30 minutes Steamed mushrooms are really kind of special: They retain much of their raw flavor and texture but gain enough body to hold together when dressed lightly. This is a favorite, whether served on a…
Spinach Salad with Warm Dressing and Tofu Croutons MAKES: 4 to 6 servings TIME: About 45 minutes, including making the croutons There is no reason to shun this favorite American salad just because you want to skip the bacon. Tofu croutons have a crisp appeal all their…