Photo courtesy Dena Ehrlich

Dena Ehrlich from “dish with DENA” gives us an idea for a nosh in today’s Food Therapy: Spiced Peanuts. Dena combines tasty ingredients like za’atar, cumin and harissa to turn the usual peanut into an unusual, delicious snack. She said this makes for great party food, and she’ll even sprinkle a handful over salads.

Haven’t used za’atar before? It’s a condiment — a mix of spices — and Dena said she grew up eating it.

“My Mom makes the best hummus ever, usually always a dish in the fridge for regular consumption” Dena said. “When we’d have parties and hummus was one of the apps, she’d spread the hummus out on a plate, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with za’atar.”

Dena and I worked as interns together at America’s Test Kitchen. Ever since, she has kicked off a budding culinary career writing, cooking, and consulting. In fact, she is heading to Shanghai in mere weeks to work and consult for an organic, vegan ice cream and bakeshop. Luckily, blogs are a way to follow traveling friends. Hers is funny, informative and full of recipes I’m dying to make.