7 layered mediterranean dip

I recently hosted a small party for one of my co-workers who is moving to Dallas next month.  Given her vegetarian diet, I whipped up some vegetarian-friendly party foods including this jazzed up hummus dip.

If you want to get super fancy, you can make your own hummus and pesto, but I decided to take it easy on myself and used store-bought hummus and pesto.  It took me all about 15 minutes to assemble this 7 layered mediterranean dip, and it was a crowd pleaser!  This recipe is cost/time efficient, requires no extra utensils and is sure to impress your guests!

7 Layered Mediterranean Dip

2 cups hummus
1 cup pesto
1/2 diced cucumber
1/2 cup diced sun dried tomato
1/2 cup diced feta
1/3 cup diced olives
1/4 cup pine nuts

Spread hummus on bottom layer of serving dish.  Spread pesto on top of hummus, making sure not to combine the two.  Sprinkle remaining ingredients on top of hummus/pesto layers.  Serve with pita chips or other chips of your choice!

franklin cafe

bread + hummus spread

crab + corn fritters ($11) 

steak frites ($20) 

cioppino ($18)

VENUE //  I usually place a lot of emphasis on venue and ambiance when dining out, but definitely can overlook this aspect because the food is just so darn good at Franklin Cafe.  Franklin Cafe is a narrow space divided right down the middle with a full bar on the left side and ten or so booths along the right side.  The atmosphere here is definitely more pub-like than cafe, with an equal number of people drinking and dining.  My only knock on this place is that there is no waiting area or hostess stand so you are constantly moving around to avoid the servers walking down the restaurant and standing over other diners.  Oh, and be prepared to wait!

FOOD //  Great food at great prices.  The hummus dip is addictive.  The corn + crab fritters are meaty, lightly breaded and served with old bay seasoned sour cream.  The steak is tender, juicy and marinated in port.  Served with crispy fries and roquefort (blue cheese) butter, the steak frites here might be the best I've ever had.  The tomato fennel broth of the cioppino is delicious and perfectly complements the fresh hake, mussels and clams.

DRINK //  To be honest, my boyfriend and I came here because I wanted some hot soup to cure a prior night's hangover so we didn't do too much drinking here.

SERVICE //  Minus the wait, service here is great, and the food is served quickly.

Overall, Franklin Cafe is a no frills, quintessential South End neighborhood establishment that serves great food at great prices.  We will definitely be back for late night dinner and drinks.


Franklin Cafe
278 Shawmut Avenue
website

healthy chocolate muffins (120 cal)

Once in while, I have a craving for sweets -- chocolate, muffins, croissants, you name it.  Instead of running to the nearest bakery to satisfy my craving, I try to keep a batch of healthy baked goods on hand.  

Over the past year or so, I've experimented with quite a few healthy baking recipes, and can say that my top priority when baking is definitely keep the calorie count in check.  Thus, I usually avoid using oils, butters (including nut butters), sugar, dried fruits, and other high caloric sweeteners.  Instead, I usually substitute sugar with zero calorie liquid stevia, oils/butters with applesauce or mashed fruits, and high caloric sweeteners with spices.  Spices are definitely my secret ingredient as it gives my healthy snacks a bit of punch without the calories and fat.

My healthy chocolate muffin recipe is slightly sweet, spicy, under 120 calories per muffin, and a great way to beat those chocolate cravings!

Healthy Chocolate Muffins

Cook time:  25 minutes

Serving:  9 muffins

Calories Per Serving:  ~120 calories

1 egg

2 mashed bananas

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce 

1 tsp vanilla

12 drops of liquid stevia 

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup cocoa powder 

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 tbsp instant coffee

1 tsp cinnamon 

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips 

Preheat oven to 350ºF.  Grease muffin tin.  Whisk wet ingredients.  Mix dry ingredients and add to the wet ingredients.  Fold in chocolate chips.  Bake for about 20-25 minutes.