Hummus is a classic Middle Eastern dish that can be served in a variety of ways. While serving it on pita bread is traditional, be flexible! Spread it on toast, or have your baby dip a cracker (or even a finger) into a dish of hummus.

• If using garlic, peel it.

• Rinse the precooked chickpeas. Place in food processor or blender and purée completely. Add the garlic and purée until well chopped and smooth.

• Add the olive oil, tahini, cumin, and lemon juice. Continue puréeing for about a minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.

• Add enough water to make a smooth paste. Purée until smooth.

Tahini

Tahini is a Middle Eastern sesame-seed paste. You can find it in a can in the international or Middle Eastern food section of your grocery store. Once you open the can, mix it well. Store the can in your refrigerator after opening. You can make tahini sauce by mixing equal amounts of water and tahini paste with a little lemon juice. This dipping sauce is tasty for falafel, vegetables, and other foods.