Christmas in Bethlehem: Menu and Recipes

This meal truly has been a very meaningful part of our Christmas the past two years and we're all  excited to have it again this Christmas.  I have to give a huge shout-out to my friend (I consider her a friend despite the fact that we've never met) Mirien at Mirien's Kitchen for the idea and the recipes.  She's the one who did all the testing to find the perfect (and tasty) recipes for the meal.  

May this meal  be a small contribution to bringing the true meaning of the Christmas season into your homes and families.  Enjoy!  

Menu (click on the links to see the recipes):
Middle-Eastern Lentil Soup--click for recipe
Mediterranean dip -- click for recipe
Flat Bread (or Fry Bread)--recipe below
Greek Salad--recipe below
Falafel (from a mix)
Pita chips (for crumbling over soup and dipping into Mediterranean dip)
Veggies (for dipping into Mediterranean dip)
Hummus (store bought)
Baklava--click for recipe

Click here for printable version. 

FLAT BREAD  (makes 6 rounds)  (from http://mirienscookingclass.blogspot.com)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. active dry yeast
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. baking soda
2 Tbs. oil
2 Tbs. plain yogurt
3/4 cup warm water (about 115°)

Directions: Mix ingredients into a soft dough.  NOTE:  Don't add too much flour---just enough to keep the dough from being too sticky.  Knead until the dough is smooth.

Cover the dough and let rise in warm place for 3-4 hours.  The dough should be almost double in volume.   Knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes and divide into 6 equal parts.  Take each piece of dough, one at a time, and roll into 8-inch rounds.  Dust lightly with flour to help with the rolling.   Do  not allow to rise and immediately place on preheated pancake griddle and bake about 2-minutes per side.  Immediately brush with butter and sprinkle with garlic salt.

NOTE: If desired, the bread can be baked in the oven at 500° on a preheated pan.  I found the pancake griddle to be much easier. ONE MORE NOTE:  The bread can be made ahead and warmed in the oven before serving.   Enjoy!

NOTE:  if you're looking for a much easier, albeit less authentic flatbread recipe, then try the fry bread recipe from my Navajo Tacos.  There's no rising time at all and still tastes great.  I'd at least double or triple the recipe.   
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GREEK SALAD:  (from http://mirienscookingclass.blogspot.com)

Romaine lettuce
Baby spinach
Feta cheese
Grape tomatoes
Red onions, chopped
Black olives, chopped
Sliced cucumbers
Bernstein's Light Fantastic Cheese Fantastico dressing (or other favorite dressing)

Directions:  Toss all together and enjoy!

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NOTE: If you don't think your family's game for such a non-traditional meal on Christmas day, then try it some time in the week before or after Christmas instead.