Gourmet Sunday

So, I am sorry I haven't posted in two days! I got swept away by life this weekend and decided to post later. I had lots of amazing food, that for the most part I don't have pictures of because I did not bring my camera. My grandmother moved back to NYC this weekend and my boyfriend moved in! On Saturday to celebrate we had wine and cheese. I skimmed over a book that my mom got me for Christmas before making any decisions! The book is titled "Cheese & Wine: A Guide to Selecting, Pairing, and Enjoying" by Janet Fletcher. This book is terrific, especially if you want to learn more about cheese! I love cheese and I love wine; but, I don't often worry about how they go together. I had bought a bottle of Fetzer 2005 Sauvignon Blanc at my last visit to Trader Joes Wine Shop. In the cheese and wine book, I looked up varying cheeses that might go well with a Sauvignon Blanc. There were lots of choices, so I wrote down a couple and headed to Whole Foods. I never spent anytime in the cheese section, mainly because I know where to find my favorites; but, it was time to try something new. I picked out a wedge of Mahon, imported from Spain. Well, let me tell you, the wine and cheese were delicious. The wine buy itself was not a knock out, but it was a great bottle for the value. I would certainly go back for another bottle. I believe it was 6.99 or 7.99 at Trader Joes. It was light, not overly dry, and somewhat sweet. The cheese was firm and salty, which balanced out the sweetness of the wine. I decided that the cheese tasted like the love child of muenster and cheddar cheese. I recommend picking up both of these for a special occasion!



On Sunday, I had a lot of gourmet! But, I have decided to focus on one meal. It was time, I bought a mini-chop, and we made hummus and falafel. It wasn't outstanding, but it was great. Both the hummus and falafel completely surpassed my expectations. I can't imagine what the hummus will taste like at the end of the summer when I have been allowed ample practice sessions! For the hummus we started with a Barefoot Contessa recipe for the foundation and then kept adding stuff to our taste.



The original recipe we used called for 4 garlic cloves (we would use less next time, so maybe 3), 2 cups of chickpeas drained, 1/3 cup of tahini (maybe use a little less of this next time as well), 6tbs of lemon, 2tbs of water, and a couple dashes of hot sauce (we used a lot more than a couple dashes!), and salt and pepper to taste.



We also added some olive oil to ours and chili powder. It was really easy and fun to use my new mini-chop! Start by chopping the garlic in the mini-chop and then add all the rest of the ingredients and let the machine do all the work. We tasted throughout, which I recommend doing.



The falafel we didn't make from scratch, but we plan on doing so soon! We took a mix, added water, let it sit for 15 minutes, made mini patties, drizzled olive oil on both sides, and broiled in the oven for 8 minutes (must flip halfway through).



We decided to make falafel sandwiches. We had forgotten to buy pitas at the store so we used tortillas. In the sandwich we added a couple falafel, hummus, hot sauce of our choice, lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of goddess dressing. The falafel was a little dry, but the sandwich was amazing. If you have any tips for making hummus leave a comment.

My Favorite Store Bought Hummus

As I am sure you have figured out by now, I love love love spicy food. I also love love love hummus. It is great to have hummus on hand. It is filled with protein and is great in a multitude of dishes. Hummus is also delicious with raw vegetables. I will be attempting to create my own hummus this summer, I will certainly share stories and recipes when the time comes. In addition, I hope to visit some of my favorite hummus places soon, and blog about my dinning experiences. But, today I am going to highlight my all-time favorite store bought hummus.



I have been eating hummus for as long as I can remember. However, it was not until high school and college that I became utterly obsessed. I have tried all sorts of brands, along with friends recipes. By far, without question, one of my favorites is Sabra's Supremely Spicy Hummus. I love the creamy taste and texture. The hummus is filled with flavor, but not overwhelming. The most unique part of this hummus is the center. In the supremely spicy hummus there is a red pepper spice concoction. What I like about that is you can create your own level of spice. So, if your friends do not really like too much spice you can simply give them the hummus. If you have someone who likes it hot, you can let them add as much heat as they want! Sometimes I save the center spices for my cous cous or stir-fry vegetables.

Cous Cous Creation

Cous cous was one of the first dishes I learned how to cook on my own. My mom gave me her recipe, that I will not reveal on my blog, and I have come up with my own variations. The great thing about cous cous is that it is so easy to make, it only takes about five minutes, and is versatile. If I am not making a hummus sandwich for my friends, they request my cous cous. The version I made today was my beet and red onion cous cous. I am willing to share this recipe, but you must make it and leave a comment!

First, boil the water for the cous cous. While the water is starting to boil slice the beets (I used canned) and slice the red onion. Eyeball the amounts when you stir them in. When the water is boiling pour in the cous cous, take it off the heat, and cover it for five minutes. After five minutes, the fun begins. First, add about 1/4-1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Then add salt and pepper to taste. Then start adding ingredients. I put the beets in, they turn the cous cous a lovely pink color and give it a little sweet flavor. Then add the red onions. Stir it a lot. Then add the secret ingredient. My secret ingredient is...HUMMUS. It gives the cous cous a different texture and flavor. Most of the time I use spicy hummus, but today I used garlic hummus. Then add more salt and pepper and hot sauce (if you like it spicy). I always try to have a box or two of cous cous in the cupboard. Its great to make when you find out last minute that a friend is coming over for a drink, or even for a party. This beet cous cous I created for valentines day; but, clearly it is great year round! I am sure I will blog about other cous cous creations, but just to give you a little preview other ingredients I put in different variations of my cous cous are: lemon, shrimp, eggplant, peppers, olives, and more.

What I'm Known For From Coast To Coast

I thought about delaying this post, but it was my gourmet for the day. I love sandwiches of all sorts, but there is one in particular that I hold dear to my heart and have spent years mastering. It is a sandwich that I have made and served countless times. When old friends write to me one of the first things they say is "i miss your hummus sandwich" (and cous cous). For dinner I made my Original Hummus Sandwich. I am going to share the recipe (well, kind of, minus the two secret ingredients I use). I perfected the Original Hummus Sandwich my senior year of college and this year I have been working on many variations. I have only let a few people watch me make it.



Start with a bread of your choice, I use whole wheat. Put a thin layer of hummus on each side. Any kind of hummus will work, of course there are certain brands I prefer. Then place a slice of cheese, the Original is made with Swiss; but, tonight I used a Swedish Fontina. Then I add two secret ingredients (so if there is a certain flavor that you might think goes with hummus and cheese particularly well add it). I then add some hot sauce, preferably Sriracha. Lastly, I grill it. You can grill it in a pan, or if you have a George Forman Grill use that! Other ingredients I often add to the Original if I have them laying around is a little lettuce and tomato, maybe even some pesto. Basically, this sandwich is a gourmet version of a grilled cheese. The hummus gives it a creamy texture and provides protein, the hot sauce a little kick, and cheese brings everything together when its melted. I have converted many friends to this sandwich. It is simply making your own "wichcraft." If you try this, let me know what you think!



I am heading to New Haven tomorrow, hoping to get a slice of pizza that I will be able to post about the following day. Maybe Sally's or Pepe's? I still haven't found a terrific slice of pizza in NYC, which has been really frustrating. Grimaldi's comes pretty close, except I don't like it when it gets cold and it gets cold fast. I have tried most of the well-known places such as John's and DiFara's. Write me a comment if you have had a terrific slice of pizza in NYC.