OK, when I initially made this dip/spread, I combined several recipes I found, and the result was “yikes, too bitter”. The lemon zest (originally 1 teaspoon recommended in one of the recipes I perused) was just too powerful. We ate it, but everyone who tasted it agreed that the lemon flavor was just too, too much. So, I tried again and found that fresh lemon juice, when used in moderation, is perfect.

I did up the amount listed below to about 1 teaspoon, but every lemon is different. Some lemons seem to come into this world angry and bound and determined to become the prominent taste whether that was the intended outcome or not. So, my new philosophy with regards to lemon juice and lemon zest is to start small and add more if necessary. (It took me 61 years of cooking to figure out that you can always add more lemon juice or zest, but taking it out is damn near impossible?) (Sometimes I wonder if my brain ever worked correctly. And some days I know that it must have also atrophied somewhere along the line. But luckily, not to the extent that it doesn’t recognize that a certain politician with multiple felonies to his discredit, is well and truly rotten to the core!) But I digress…..

Anyway, if you too would like a recipe for a quick and easy to prepare spread that is perfect with veggies, pita bread, or pita chips, and best when made ahead, this is the recipe for you.

Well, that’s it for today. But before I leave you to perform more important tasks than reading my diatribe about lemons, I’d like to tell you about one of the latest books I’ve read. Alias Emma by Ava Glass. And oh my, what a great book. As Jonathan Kellerman put it – “Turbocharged pacing, vivid sense of place, and unforgettable characters add up to Thriller with a capital T.” So, if you too love a good read, I highly recommend any book written by this “new to me” author.

And not just because I love to read, but because of everything I have read from numerous qualified sources, there are many known health benefits associated with reading books.

1. Readers live longer.
2. Regular readers can maintain their cognitive abilities better as they age than those who do not read.
3. Reading can be a healthy way to unplug and escape from the stressors of daily life. Reading fiction, in particular, can improve your mental health and overall well-being. 
4. Reading before bed can offer great sleep benefits. It is a low-energy activity that can help you relax before you go to sleep.
5. People who read often are more comfortable reading about and understanding health information. 
6. Reading can boost your intelligence. The more you read, the more information you ingest. Reading is like exercise for the brain, and the more you use your brain, the better it functions. 
7. Reading can enhance your social skills because it gives you examples of social interaction to learn from. Research shows that people who read often have stronger social and behavioral skills compared to nonreaders.

So, on that happy, healthy note, as always, peace and love to all.

1 c. crumbled (from a brined block) feta cheese

¼ c. full-fat plain Greek yogurt

½ of an 8-oz. block of cream cheese

½ tsp. fresh lemon juice, or more to taste

tiny pinch black pepper

2 T. extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzle

Place the feta cheese, Greek yogurt, cream cheese, lemon juice, and black pepper in a small food processor and whirl until smooth.

Drizzle in the olive oil and blend until fully incorporated. Refrigerate until needed.

When ready to serve, scoop the mixture onto a plate and drizzle with olive oil.   

Great served with warm pita wedges and crudité.