Hummus is a traditional middle eastern spread made with chick peas and tahini paste, which is ground sesame seeds. This recipe is from my uncle’s mother and is especially excellent because of spice added by the jalapenos. It is also a nice treat when it is served warm. My uncle Jack insists that you “don’t have enough hummus” on your piece of bread, even if it is caving under the weight of a giant mound.

Food is the epicenter of my family's universe. Not to sound like one of those cheesy bios from the side of a cheap wine box, but the Ricco's have cultivated generations and generations of recipes and fond memories gathered around the dining room table.