Red Lentil Hummus

1 1/4 cup red lentils, rinsed
3 cups water
2 large garlic cloves
1 tbsp tahini (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1.5 tsp berberé seasoning (below)
salt to taste

Berberé:
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp each of cardamon, allspice, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, pepper
Tiny pinch of cloves

Put lentils and water in a pot. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, 20-30 minutes, until lentils are soft. Drain water from lentils. Put in food processor with all other ingredients and blend until smooth. Add more seasoning, lemon juice, or salt to taste.

Zucchini Fritters

2 medium zucchini, grated
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 medium garlic clove, minced
1/4 tsp pepper
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup flour
2-4 tbsp oil

Mix zucchini, salt, lemon juice, garlic, pepper, and eggs. Slowly add flour, stirring so no lumps form. Heat oil in large pan over medium high heat until oil sizzles when zucchini mix is dropped in. Carefully drop about 2 tbsp mix into pan. Cook fritters until golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Lower heat to medium, turn fritters, continue cooking 2-3 minutes.

Soft Pretzels

1 cup flour
1/2 milk
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1 tsp sesame seed salt

Mix flour, milk, butter, baking powder, and sugar into a soft dough with fork. On floured surface, knead ten times, then divide into 8 pieces. Roll dough and shape into pretzels. Place onto greased baking sheet seam down. Beat egg and brush pretzels, sprinkle with salt. Bake at 400F for 10 minutes until golden brown.

Drop Cheese Biscuits

This is my mom's recipe, and it's one of my faves :)

2 cups flour
1 tbsp sugar
4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1.5 cups grated cheddar
2 tbsp oil
1 cup milk

Combine dry ingredients. Add oil and milk, stir only until moist. Drop by spoonful onto greased baking sheet. Bake at 425F for 12-15 minutes.

1/2 cup melted butter
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp parsley

Brush over finished biscuits.

My Friend Joanne.

I went to you prayer service tonight. I still can't believe you're gone. But there are so many things I will remember about you.

Namely, your legacy of love.

You were the most perfect human example in my life of joy. You radiated joy! I have never seen you without a smile on your face.

It didn't matter what kind of day you were having. It didn't matter what sort of troubles you were going through. You always had a smile on your face, a twinkle in your eye, and a laugh in your heart.

You were one of the most loving people I have ever known. You never had a negative word to say about anyone, but rather you found the positive in everything.

Even though you may not walk with us anymore, your legacy will live on. The joy you emanated, the love you shared, and the memories we have of you will continue on in our hearts and in our minds.

I will miss you, my friend, but I take comfort in knowing that we will see each other again.

Give Jesus a hug for me :)