Hi everyone,

I've been poring over recipe books looking for something inspiring for tomorrow evenings meal at my B/Fs house. He's working long days (5am to 10pm) most days and this is a rare evening off to relax. I want to make dinner a relaxing treat, but also to keep it healthy given that he's exhausted and needs every little bit of help I can offer. I found a tasty almond pate which would be great with veggie crudites as a starter, and he can eat the leftovers on sandwhich the next day as it keeps roughly three days in the fridge.

Almond Pate

200g whole almonds soaked overnight in water (black dot for explorer but he loves them!)
75g of walnuts - again soaked in water overnight (you could have cashews, pinenuts, pecans or any compliant nut of your choice)
2 tbspn lemon juice (or lime)
2 tbspn water
2 tbspn extra virgin olive oil (rice bran, ghee or other oil to suit you)
1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed
3 tbspn fresh basil, chopped (you could substitute cilantro/coriander leaf, parsley or any herb you like)

Drain the nuts, blend in a food processor with the other ingredients but add 2 tbspns of water. You will have scrape the sides a bit to keep the mix going and to ensure it comes out smooth rather than gritty. Refridgerate until required and serve either as a spread or a dip.

Optional: I like to add 1 tsp garam masala, or 1/2 tsp each cumin/turmeric, and it's great with a bit of cayenne if you like it spicy. It's also very good with a tsp of chaat marsala added.

The main course will be the greek style lamb I posted a few weeks ago, he loves it and I can prepare it hours ahead and make it look like I've been cooking for a week