Adjusting to the “real world” routine of waking up early, going to work and having no time for naps has been a painful transition.  I’m a believer of the nap, also formally known as the siesta.  There’s just something magical about eating a hearty meal (especially pasta) and napping immediately after.  Otherwise, the transition into the real world hasn’t been too bad.  I finally got around to unpacking most of my things and have had lots of fun reading through the pesto submissions for the first month of A Taste of the Mediterranean.  I even got around to making a quick video yesterday after work.

This month, A Taste of the Mediterranean is showcasing the unique flavors of the Middle East through one of its most popular dishes, hummus.  Traditionally, hummus is made with chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, tahini and is served with an abundance of freshly baked pita bread to dip with.  

(click here for a thumbnail version of the stamp)

Blog about your creative spin on hummus for a chance to win a $30 gift certificate to Dayna’s Market.  For the purposes of the contest, a hummus will be considered as any sort of legume processed with a citrus.  The rest is fair game and is up for culinary interpretation.  I look forward to reading and sharing hummus ideas with everyone.  Below are the three hummus recipes that I blogged about on my first post, Ode to the humble chickpea.