Judy Harris's Spicy Hummus and the Greek Food Festival

Our local Greek Food Festival will be here on May 15-17 this year, and (unless we are needed to babysit the Perfect Ones) we will be there. This is their 25th year, and I think we have been almost every year. It really started as an international food festival, but slowly emerged into the dining and entertainment event it is now. The food is terrific and varies from Greek to Indian to...plain vanilla! The Greek Orthodox Church sponsors and organizes the event each year, and I am always impressed by the wide variety of entertainers they have in addition to all of the food vendors. Last year we thoroughly enjoyed the Irish folk dancers, the Middle Eastern belly dancers (wish I could move like that), and the traditional Greek wedding dancers as well. We seldom make all three days, but I always lament the presentations that we miss. Everyone just has the best time. It's a great family affair. We've learned, too, that you need to get there early in the festival if you want certain dishes to eat and specialties to purchase, such as Pete's Famous Greek Dressing. Because of its intense sweetness, a little bit of baklava goes a very long way for me, but I do stock up on Pete's dressing. The line at the gyros tent is always miles long, but they move us along quickly. I never miss getting one of those or the delicious hummus and Greek olives. If you are in our area, I would encourage you to stop by. I appreciate all of the contributions this event has made to many worthwhile local organizations. I keep hinting to Perfect Hubby that there needs to be a trip to Greece in our future:)

This hummus recipe is one I got from Perfect Daughter. It was given to her by the wife of one of Perfect Son-in-law's partners who just happens to be one of my very, very, very distant cousins (we think!). I like to eat it with fresh crudites, but many enjoy it with baked pita chips. It's a healthy alternative to cheese dip and oh so good.

1 14-ounce can Great Northern beans
1 14-ounce can garbanzo beans
1 tablespoons tahini
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 lemon juiced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/3 cup water
All all ingredients except water to food processor. Begin processing the ingredients and gradually add the water as it blends. Blend until very smooth and thickened.