Tzatziki Yogurt Sauce

Tzatziki is an incredibly refreshing (and healthy) Greek yogurt sauce that is excellent for dipping pita slices or fresh-cut vegetables.  My favorite use for the sauce is alongside Dolmades, or on top of a pita stuffed with vegetables (tomatoes, onions, mushrooms & green peppers).

I prefer a chunkier texture, which is what I’ve recorded here–however some recipes call for a seeded, almost shredded cucumber.  I’ve also adapted my own recipe so that I can make it in under 5 minutes.  It chills well in the fridge for a couple of days, but it usually doesn’t last that long!

INGREDIENTS:
8 oz plain Greek yogurt
1 small cucumber, finely chopped
1 T olive oil
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 T fresh dill, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Mix ingredients together in a bowl.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Serve with Dolmades, Pita, or as a vegetable dip.

Lime-Garlic Mayonnaise

I absolutely adore homemade mayonnaise because its nothing like the store-bought stuff.  Its really fun to make, and its totally customizable.  All you really need is an egg, some oil, and an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or vinegar; experimenting is really cool.

One tip if you’ve never made mayo before: really, really take your time when emulsifying the oil and egg.  If you pour too quickly, the ingredients will not bind.  Further suggestions are in the recipe directions below.

Since you will not be adding any preservatives (yay!) to this awesomely homemade mayonnaise, be especially attentive to its life outside the refrigerator.  Also, I always throw mine out after a week.  Any longer might be compromising the food-safety integrity of the mayo.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe does use raw eggs so if you are unsure about whether you are “at risk” when consuming raw eggs, check out the USDA Egg Fact Sheet.

INGREDIENTS:
1 egg
1 C vegetable oil, divided in half
1 T Dijon mustard
2 large garlic cloves, minced
Juice of one small lime
1/2 tsp salt

In a food processor, add the egg and mustard. Turn the food processor on. Through the feeder tube, add a drop (and I do–literally–mean 1 exact drop) of oil. Add another drop, and then another, until you have the thinnest, slowest possible stream of oil going through the feeder tube. This process of adding the oil will take several minutes. You will begin to notice when the oil and egg emulsify as the texture will suddenly “come together” and you’ll recognize the creamy consistency you are used to seeing. The reason I divide the oil in half is to ensure I don’t pour too fast; having a smaller volume to pour ensures maximum concentration each time.

When the oil is completely incorporated, and your mayonnaise is creamy, turn off the food processor. Add garlic, lime juice, and salt. Pulse several additional seconds, taste, and adjust flavor.  If you want to make an aioli garlic spread, try substituting olive oil for the vegetable oil–delicious!  Serve with Tostones, Tuna Burgers, or your favorite sandwich.

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Hummus

I make hummus practically every week, so I have to vary the recipe a bit in order to keep myself interested in my own cooking!

This hummus has a hint of brown sugary sweetness with the richness of a peanut butter and pumpkin combination–and is still justifiably healthy!  If you are serving it in a dish, garnish with a cinnamon stick, caramelized walnuts, or a drizzle of honey.  It tastes best with celery sticks, graham crackers, buttery crackers, or wrapped in crepes with potatoes and greens.  

INGREDIENTS:
1 16 oz. can chickpeas (garbanzos)
1 C pumpkin (cooked or canned)
1/2 C peanut butter
1/8 C olive oil
1 T lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
4 T brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp cloves
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp allspice
1/2-1 C water

DIRECTIONS:
Add all ingredients to food processor except water.

Begin blending.  Slowly pour 1/2 C water through the feeder tube in your food processor. Blend 10 seconds, or until hummus reaches a smooth consistency.  Taste and adjust spices.  Blend again, pouring in the remaining water until hummus becomes fluffy and smooth.  You might not need all the water–or you might need a little more than 1 C–just stop pouring when your hummus reaches the consistency you prefer most.

Garnish with a cinnamon stick, some caramelized walnuts, or a drizzle of honey.