Hummus, a Middle Eastern dip, has gained in popularity in North America in recent years. Served with fresh or toasted pita bread, hummus makes a great snack or appetizer.

Basic Hummus

2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and liquid reserved
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat and cook garlic for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Place garbanzo beans in a blender or food processor with about 1 teaspoon reserved liquid. Process until smooth. Mix in the sauteed garlic, sesame seeds, salt and pepper. Process to desired consistency, increasing the amount of reserved garbanzo bean liquid as desired. Chill in the refrigerator until serving.

Makes 8 servings.