Hummus

Step 1: Drain garbanzo beans through a colander into a bowl. Reserve liquid. Place garbanzos in food processor bowl.

Step 2: Add the tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt and pepper. Give a few quick pulses to start, then process on low.

Step 3: With the processor still running, add a tablespoon of the reserved garbanzo liquid through the chute. Add the two tablespoons of olive oil through the chute. Stop the processor and test. Adjust seasonings if necessary.

NOTE: stop often to test for consistency. You can always add liquid, but you can't take it away!!!

Step 4: If hummus is not smooth or to the consistency you want, restart the processor and add another tablespoon of the liquid. Test. If still not the right consistency, add more olive oil in a small steady stream until you achieve it. I like mine smooth and velvety, not chunky.

Step 5: Serve right away or refrigerate at this point.

Step 6: To serve, Put in a pretty serving bowl and make a small well in the center with the back of a spoon. Put about a tablespoon of olive oil in the well, then sprinkle hummus with minced parsley, the pine nuts, and a dash of paprika for color.