Lamb Meatballs with Mediterranean Dips

Yield: 24 meatballs, 4-6 servings.

2 or 3 slices bread, torn up

1 lb. ground American Lamb

1 egg

1 tsp. dried thyme

as needed, sesame seeds

Hummus Dip (1½ cups):

1 can (15 oz.) garbanzo beans

1-2 large cloves garlic, quartered

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

¼ cup olive oil

as needed, minced parsley (optional)

as needed, red chile flakes (optional)

Yogurt Dip (1 cup):

1 cup plain yogurt

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill weed

1 tsp. grated lemon peel

as needed, fresh dill sprigs

For lamb meatballs: Pulse enough bread in electric blender to get 1 cup lightly packed-down crumbs. Combine lamb, egg, bread crumbs and thyme until well-blended. Form into 24 (about 1") meatballs. Place meatballs in an oiled shallow baking pan. Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until done. Sprinkle meatballs with sesame seeds. Stick pick in each and serve with dips.

For hummus dip: Drain beans, saving ¼ cup liquid. Combine beans in electric blender with garlic, lemon juice, oil and reserved bean liquid. Process until pureed. If desired, sprinkle top with minced parsley and red chile flakes.

For yogurt dip: Mix yogurt, dill weed and lemon peel. Garnish top with fresh dill.