Red Pepper Dip

 This is such an easy recipe if you have a food processor.

Persian Roasted Pepper Dip (Modern Persian Bride)

1 cup unflavored bread crumbs

1 15 oz jar of fire roasted peppers, drained

1 cup of walnuts

6 garlic cloves

2 T Balsamic vinegar (I use Saba)

1 T lime juice

2 teaspoons cumin

2 T Olive Oil

Put everything into the food processor and blend until smooth.

Serve with challah.

Saffron Risotto

 I seem to remember making risotto as difficult. This recipe was easy and delicious.

Saffron Risotto

• 4-6 cups of vegetable stock - warm
• 1 T Olive Oil
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• kosher salt
• 1 cup of dry white wine
• 1 T saffron threads
• 1 T unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

• Bring the stock to a low simmer.
• Heat oil in a large pot, and add onion and cook for 3 minutes.
• Add the rice and a bit of salt. Sautee for 2 minutes. Add the wine and saffron, and bring to a simmer, stirring, until the rice has absorbed most of the wine.
• Add a ladle or two of stock; bring to a simmer while stirring. The rice should absorb most of the stock. Continue to add a ladle of stock to the rice and having it be absorbed before adding a new one. This process should take 18 minutes or so. You do not need to add all of the stock. 
• Add the butter and stir. Turn off heat and stir in cheese. Cover. Let sit for 2 minutes.

Serves four.