MARCIE ’S HUMMUS (sesame paste, for four)

4 cups canned garbanzo beans, drained

½ cup tahini

1/3 cup warm water

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

juice of 2 or 3 lemons

4 or more garlic cloves

1-1/2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons ground cumin

freshly ground black pepper to taste

pita toasts to accompany

1. Combine the garbanzos, tahini, water, oil and the juice of 1 lemon in a food processor. Process until smooth and creamy.

2. Add garlic, salt, cumin, pepper to taste and process. Taste to correct seasoning, and add lemon juice if needed.  Refrigerate until ready to use.