To get’em talking, feed’em

A great way to stimulate conversation and get strangers to bond, is to feed them! This meal is for vegetarians (but not vegans – it’s cheesy). It’s an American-ish meal with a splash of the Middle East. Perfect for ex-pats who crave something familiar.

Served with Palestinian Taybeh beer and Eid cookies for dessert.

Salad (make this ahead of time and keep in the fridge):
3 avocados
9 small cucumbers
1/2 onion
5 tomatos
1 TBSP fresh mint, minced
juice of 1 lemon
splash of olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Pasta
1 minced onion
4 minced garlic cloves
3 TBPS butter
2 cans of cream (about 1 pint)
1 tsp freshly ground nutmeg (fresh nutmeg makes such a difference)
2 bags of pasta
Salt and pepper to taste

While pasta is boiling, saute onion and garlic in butter. Once the onion is translucent, add the cream and stir. It will thicken slightly, but not much. Add nutmeg and salt/pepper to taste. Once the pasta is al dente, drain and add the cream sauce.

Garlic Pita-bread
Butter the top of 4 pitas. Spread 1/2 clove of minced garlic over each pita. Bake in oven while making the cream sauce. Cut each pita in half and you have enough for everyone.