Hummus

Blend chickpeas, garlic, salt, cumin, and lemon juice in a food processor. Add a tablespoon or two water or chickpea cooking liquid (if homemade chickpeas) to help the chickpeas blend well. Add tahini and 1 tablespoons olive oil. Process until smooth. Serve in a small bowl garnished with olive oil, parsley, and paprika. Refrigerate any leftovers in a covered glass container for up to 5 days.

Stuffed Dates

Place a piece of walnut or pecan inside each date half. Serve on the board sprinkled with pomegranate seeds for color.

Miscellaneous platter items 

Choose a variety of items from the list and arrange on your platter or wooden cutting board in a decorative fashion around the bowl of hummus and stuffed dates. Place little spoons, forks, and tongs around the board for people to serve themselves different items from the platter. Enjoy!