THE DIPS AND SPREADS in this chapter are flavorful, distinctive, and very easy to prepare. As leftovers, many are useful as side dishes, toppings, or sandwich spreads. For each recipe we suggest ways of serving—with fresh vegetable sticks, for example, or with crackers, pita, or a specific bread.
Breads, muffins, and biscuits fresh from the oven fill the kitchen with a special homey fragrance and have traditionally signified family warmth. All you need to make one of life’s nicest gestures is a heart full of love and an extra half hour.
Whip up a batch of fruit-filled or multigrain muffins before going to bed, and then surprise someone special with a basket of them the next morning. You might also make some Yogurt Cheese, which prepares itself overnight in the refrigerator, as a healthful alternative to butter or cream cheese.
For an easy afternoon or evening meal, bake some light and flavorful Corn Scones. While they’re in the oven, it takes only minutes to make Mockamole to serve alongside.
Savory Scallion Biscuits are delicious any time of day, served perhaps with an omelet or a frittata, or with one of our satisfying stews.
Try rich and flaky Pesto Palmiers, made from a few convenient store-bought ingredients. You’ll have a quick appetizer or snack that looks and tastes as though you spent hours making it.