Hummus

This basic Humus recipe is very easy to make. It will last you three days and can be used with pita, on a toast or serve as a tapas dish with a drizzle of olive oil.

Ingredients:

 1  (15-ounce) can chickpeas  

·         2 tablespoons lemon juice

·         2 tablespoons yogurt

·         1 1/2 tablespoons tahini

·         A small bunch parsley

·         2 cloves garlic (optional)

·         1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper

·         1/2 teaspoon cumin

·         1/2 teaspoon  sumac

·         1/2 teaspoon zatar

·         Paprika (as garnish)

·         2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)

Directions:

Drain chickpeas. In a food processor, combine tahini, yogurt and lemon juice and process for 30 seconds.

Combine remaining ingredients in the food processor. Blend until thoroughly mixed and smooth. Taste, for seasoning. If the hummus is too thick, pulse in 1-2 tablespoons of water or olive oil.

Serve, drizzled with the olive oil and sprinkled with a bit paprika and sumac.

Chicken Thighs, Vegetables and Farro

Ingredients

• 1 pound bone-in chicken thighs
• 2 yellow squash, chopped  
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon ginger, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 1 small bunch cilantro
• 1 cup farro 
• 2 1/2 cups of water or stock
• 1/4 cup trader joes soyaki sauce
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

 Direction:

1.  Put one cup of farro with 2 1/2 cups of water or stock, bring to a boil and simmer. Cook for around 30-35 minutes.

2. Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper and paprika. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and add the chicken pieces, skinned-side down. Cook until browned on one side.

3. Once the chicken is brown add the yellow squash, mushrooms and cilantro stems. Cook for 4 minutes then add garlic, ginger, and soyaki. Cook for another 2 minutes and to finish add frozen peas and sprinkle some chopped cilantro.

Irish Soda Bread

You can make soda bread in a mixer or just by hand. It very fast and easy to make. If you don't have buttermilk, use regular milk instead and add a teaspoon of cream of tartar.

Ingredients

• 4 1/4 cups white whole wheat flour  
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon fennel seed
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 egg 
• 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/4 cup walnuts (optional)
• 1/3 stick cold butter, cut into 1 inch dice (optional) or coconut oil 2 tablespoons 

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, fennel seed, and salt in the bowl of the mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the butter (optional) or coconut oil and mix on low speed until the butter is mixed into the flour.

Lightly mix the buttermilk and egg together in a small bowl. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the buttermilk and egg mixture to the flour mixture. to finish add the raisins and walnuts (optional) and mix.

turn dough out onto floured surface. Knead until dough comes together. Place the loaf on the prepared sheet pan and lightly cut an X into the top of the bread. Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool for 10 minutes.