Falafel

Falafel is another treat we've come to love from Lazeza restaurant. Andy is usually the one to prepare it. It can be served on pita as a sandwich or alone as an appetizer.

Ingredients:

prepared chickpeas

bread crumbs

cilantro

1 egg

chili powder

garlic

cumin

salt

pepper

oil for frying

pita to serve

pickles, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, etc for serving

Sauce:

plain yogurt

cucumber

tahini

plain yogurt

Directions:

Combine first 9 ingredients (and other spices as desired) in food processor. Form into balls. Deep fry in oil till golden brown.

Serve on pita with toppings. Combine the plain yogurt with cucumber or with tahini for sauce.


(Added February 3, 2012)
Here is a SECOND recipe I've used lately for falafel. Especially good when you have no eggs or cilantro! (Found here).

Ingredients:

1 can chickpeas, drained
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 T dried parsley (or 3 T fresh)
1 t coriander
1 t cumin
*(I also added a little turmeric and a dash of chili powder)
2 T flour
salt/pepper to taste

Directions:

Mix ingredients in food processor. Form into balls, slightly flatten, and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Fry in 2 inches oil (at 350 F) until golden brown.
Serve hot.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Andy and I had this dip at a friend's house during the game when we first got married. We LOVED it, and quickly got the recipe for her for the next time we watched a game. We make it for parties, New Year's, watching football, or any time we feel like it. Except it's not that healthy...

Ingredients:

2 8-oz packages cream cheese
1 c Ranch dressing
2 c Colby Jack shredded cheese
1 can drained shredded chicken
1 bottle Frank's hot sauce

Directions:

Mix ingredients in crock pot about 45 minutes on high. Serve with tortilla or corn chips.

Special Note:
Andy always eats the leftovers for breakfast the next day. Isn't that disgusting?

Fruit Dip

The creatively dubbed "Fruit Dip" is a delightful, light dessert we borrowed from a friend and have since made for vacations, parties, and our own snacking. We only ever make it in summer, but it would be good all year long!

Ingredients:

1/2 tub cool whip

1 8 oz package cream cheese

1/4-1/2 package milk chocolate chips

powdered sugar

Strawberries and chocolate teddy grahams for dipping

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together to taste. Add sugar to taste. Chill in refrigerator.