For those of us who are still in a cooking rut from the holidays (yes, that’s me, and it’s beyond explanation at this point), there was a recipe published in The New York Times the other day that may provide us with a muse.  It’s easy. It’s fresh. The very title inspires an image of beauty, stoicism, and power. And best of all, the sparkle of the combined ingredients brings forth a freshness that we all need in this nationwide super-cold wave.  Am I the only one who loves the contradiction of a cold drink and cold, fresh ingredients in front of an all-too-necessary roaring fire?  Normally I’m a wine drinker, but this recipe just screams for a chilly Stella Artois, I think!

Demeter, Greek Goddess of Bountiful Harvest

Greek Goddess Dip

Published: January 29, 2010; New York Times

1/2 cup packed fresh dill

1/2 cup packed fresh mint

1/2 cup packed fresh parsley

1/3 cup packed fresh basil

2 garlic cloves, chopped

2 scallions, white and green parts, sliced

1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Pinch kosher salt, more to taste

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

1/4 cup mayonnaise, optional

Raw chopped vegetables or pita chips, for serving.

1. Place dill, mint, parsley, basil, garlic, scallions, lemon juice and salt in a food processor and process until finely chopped.

2. With motor running, drizzle in the olive oil until incorporated. Add feta and process until smooth; pulse in yogurt. Taste dip and add more salt, if desired. If you like a creamier, richer dip, add mayonnaise and pulse to combine.

3. Serve dip immediately with vegetables or pita chips or cover and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

I love the mix of herbs here, all of which can give a little inspiration through the heap of uses each of them have carried throughout time.

• Dill was used by Hippocrates in recipes for cleaning the mouth. It was also a sign of wealth in ancient times.  Greek and Roman soldiers used burnt dill seeds to aid in the healing of wounds
• Mint was a symbol of hospitality  in ancient Rome. Pluto’s wife Prosperina once cast a spell over a young woman who caught her husband’s eye… the result was that the young woman was turned into a mint plant (a nice reminder of Prosperina making it’s American debut at the Spoleto Festival in Charleston this summer!)
• Parsley was also used by Hippocrates to treat a number of ailments.  Ancient Greeks used it in wreaths that adorned the heads of athletes who won major sporting events
• Garlic is a lucky charm.  If one dreams of garlic in the house hidden secrets will be revealed.  Ancient Roman and Egyptian cultures associated it with strength.
• Olive Oil is associated with lowering the risk of heart disease, cholesterol, and benefitting overall health.  Ancient Greek athletes used to rub the oil on their bodies before competing in sport.  It was also used for lamp oil, religious rituals, and medicines in many ancient cultures.

It seems to me that this Greek Goddess Dip could provide inspiration for the strength and vitality needed to get through the rest of this winter.  Mix some up and enjoy!