Greek Marinade

There is a local Greek restaurant we have always loved, but this summer we love it more because they have a patio, and we can take the dog to dinner with us.

Naturally, she cannot order off the menu, although I’m sure, if asked, she would love to. “I’ll have the beef, with a side of lamb and some fish for dessert.  You know what?  On second thought, just bring out whatever you have and I’ll just graze till I explode.”

Totally different from our cat who was much more discriminating: “Is the fish fresh?  Can you lightly sear it and maybe do a little ceviche on the side?  Then, I’ll have the grilled chicken, but instead of olive oil, I’d like the cream sauce on the side.”

Due to her delicate digestive system though, we have to be careful about what she eats, which does not make her particularly happy.  She can spit out a green bean or carrot stick faster than water from a firehose if she thinks there is something better to be begged for.  Generally though, she does love her fresh veggies, but even too much of a good thing…..

I had her out in the yard this week, enjoying the sunshine, when she saw her arch-enemy, a dog named Miley, coming up the street.  I have no idea why she has decided that Miley needs a good scolding, but whenever she sees her,  she loses her furry little mind and starts barking and pawing at the ground like a bull about to teach a matador a lesson.

I have tried to distract her with bits of food, but it’s like trying to get a shark to ignore chum in the water by offering him a lovely crudité platter.  Not.  Going. To. Happen.  Fortunately, she is small enough to simply pick up and carry inside, which I did.

Unfortunately, while the front end of her was taunting poor Miley with, “ You want a piece of this?” , the back end was tooting out an entirely different message which was basically telling me I may have included too much ruffage in her diet that day.

Let’s just say I’m not anxious to repeat that moment again anytime soon.  Or ever.

And on that note… here is my Greek marinade which tastes yummy with a variety of of things, including, but not limited to fresh veggies!

Ingredients:

• 1 small onion ( about 1 cup, roughly chopped)
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• zest of 1/2 lemon
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions;

1. Put all ingredients in a high speed blender and process till smooth.  Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Can be used for veggies, chickpeas, brush on a pita, or to make gyros!

** for veggies or pita, preheat the oven to 400, toss the veggies or brush the pita with the marinade and bake for approximately 5 minutes each side (pita) or 40 minutes total for peppers and onions or chickpeas, stirring halfway through.

Enjoy!