Hummus (Chick-Pea Dip)

• 1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste); or peanut butter
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin or more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cloves garlic; minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons hot water
• 1 can (19 oz) chick-peas; drained
• chopped fresh parsley; optional

  Serve this Middle Eastern classic with pita bread or vegetables as an appetizer or for lunch, snacks or a picnic. For a casual dinner, add vegetable soup to the menu.

  In small bowl, combine tahini, cumin, salt and garlic; while stirring, slowly pour in lemon juice, then hot water. Puree chick-peas in a blender or a food processor, or pass through a food mill; add tahini mixture to puree and process or mix well. Taste and add more cumin and salt if desired. Spread hummus on dinner plate and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

  Yield: Makes 1 1/2 cup