Monday, March 5, 2012

Alicia's Persian Dip (and a fun story and meal plan too)

When we moved to our home two summers ago, on a mild day I had the windows open as I unpacked.

Two of R and G's friends were over in an attempt to distract them while I unpacked. I remember the four of them asking if they could have a lemonade stand, as if this were a good idea considering I had not yet unpacked any cups, let alone a pitcher, spoon or any of the ingredients for lemonade.

No, a lemonade stand wasn't in the plan as I unpacked that day from our move.

Later that afternoon, as I unpacked the kitchen, I heard R, G, and their two friends yelling from the living room in the front of the house:

"Hi! Hey you! Do you want to buy any boxes? How about some water?!"

I walked around the corner to find:

R, G and their two friends had popped out the window screen from the front window and were sitting in it, their feet dangling outside.

Our new neighbor from across the street was the object of their attention, as they hollered from the front window.

"Great," I thought, "this is how I get to introduce myself to our new neighbor," as I quickly donned a meek smile and figured out how best to explain the situation.

As I quickly told the boys to get inside and put the window screen back in the window, I nervously laughed and introduced myself, while apologizing for the boys yelling at her to buy boxes and water (guess they were bound and determined to engage in commerce of some sort that day).

Imagine my relief when her reply was, "I love it. We raised two boys of our own and when they were young we used to joke that the walls of our house reverberated."

And so I met Alicia. Alicia is one of our wonderful (and understanding) neighbors. Over the holidays I shared some Candied Orange Peel with her that I gave to her in a very simple container:


Imagine my delight when a few weeks ago Alicia returned the container with some walnuts, white onion and fresh cilantro, dill and parsley inside:



Alicia then shared the basic recipe (Alicia, I hope I did it justice) for one of her favorite condiments, a Persian Dip.

Ladies and gentlemen, this dip is incredible. Think of it as a fancier, more substantial twist between tzatziki and pesto. It was so good in fact, that I ate the dip with some bread for my lunch the very next day. Yum.

Alicia's Persian Dip


1/3 cup packed dill, cilantro and parsley (or you could use mint too or just two herbs too)
1/4 cup diced white onion
1/4 cup diced walnuts
2-3 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
1 tablespoon greek yogurt (optional)
1-2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix:


Taste and add a dash of salt and pepper, more if needed.


Serve on crackers, use as a condiment on sandwiches or pita, or enjoy as a dip.

Makes about 3/4 cup dip.

*********

Our meal plan for the week:

Lentil Soup, Slow Cooker, Bread, Salad
Taco Lasagna with Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce,(cashew cream instead of sour cream), Mango
Mushroom Tortellini, Red Sauce and Green Beans
Sweet Potato Enchiladas and Fresh Pico de Gallo
Northstar Cafe Burgers, without cheese, Sweet Potato Fries, Coleslaw

Life is sweet!
SPC

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