I've said this over and over but when you have something out for your guests to eat and drink, you can mostly take your time with the rest of the food.

My favorite hummus recipe is easy and lately I've been topping it with ground lamb and pine nuts, but a few olives on the edge of the plate and a good drizzle of olive oil are just as good.

I've been getting my tahini online from Soom Foods and it's so much easier to work with than a bottle or can from the grocery store that has been sitting there so too long. And it's delicious and I'll be re-ordering.

Quality chickpeas are also essential.