Mediterranean Zahater Spice Blend

This interesting Mediterranean spice blend is often used as a spice to use when dipping bread in good olive oil...I share it here since it's a great addition to have in your cupboard, adding to stews, soups, use as a dry rub and of course you will see it in my recipes..so I decided to share how to make it if you couldn't find it in the store...

Ingredients:

• Mediterranean Spice blend Zahatar can be used in variety of ways and adds complexity to any dish. Its' taste more earthy more than actually spicy hot in flavors. You will see it used in several of my dishes...The photo I have is one of the actual products you can buy at a Mediterranean store if you have on near by (check online too)

2 teaspoons oregano flakes
2 teaspoons basil, chopped up
2 tablespoons ground thyme
1 teaspoon whole thyme
2 teaspoons savory
2 teaspoons ground marjoram
1/2 teaspoons whole dry marjoram
1 tablespoon sumac (if available - see Middle Eastern store)
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
zest of two lemons, very finely minced
*******Equipment Needed:
Spice grinder or mortor and pestle - or bowl along with a "flat head" type potato masher

Directions:

Mix all ingredients into bowl, or grinder or using mortor and pestle, and mix/grind or mash till well incorporated.
Store in tight covered lid, keeps 5 months.
To use for dipping with olive oil, I see people put a little bowl in front of themselves, spoon a little of this mixture into it, along with drizzling a good olive oil, maybe adding a little more salt to taste, then dipping the Italian or rustic bread, pita or something along those lines into the mixture and popping it into the mouth. I adore it, it's great tasting!