Food For Thought Thursdays: Something Exotic and Something Refined

As I was looking for recipes for today's post, I found two that I loved. They may not go together in the same meal, but I have no doubt they will become fast favorites. First up: Turkish Sweet Potato and Apricot Rolls featured on Eating Out Loud.

Sweet Potato & Apricot Rolls
adapted from The Food and Cooking of Turkey
1 sweet potato
1 cup canned chickpeas
4 green onions
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
4 tablespoons pine nuts
1 fresh red chili
1/4 cup finely sliced fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
salt and pepper
1 egg
1-2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
1/2 cup flour
light vegetable oil for frying

Mint Yogurt Sauce
1 cup plain yogurt
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/4 cup finely sliced fresh mint
juice of 1/2 lemon

The elegant Saffron and Vanilla Poached Pears by Tartelette are perfectly suited to finish a dinner party when you want impress your guests without too much effort.

4 cups water
1 vanilla bean
1 to 2 teaspoons saffron
3/4 cup (170 gr) sugar
juice of one lemon
4 pears

Enjoy!