FOOD FIND...

Chicken Gyros with Dill Sauce

1 cup plain yogurt

2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill

2 large garlic cloves, finely minced

1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 pound skinless boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 teaspoon dried oregano

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 medium onions, thinly sliced

4 fresh pita bread rounds, heated

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

-1. In small bowl blend together yogurt, 2 tablespoons dill, garlic and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

-1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken with oregano, 1 teaspoon dill, salt and pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

-1. Add 1 tablespoon oil to skillet and sauté onions until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Return chicken and any juices to skillet. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Stir until heated through, about 2 minutes.

-1. Top pita rounds with chicken mixture. Spoon dill sauce over chicken and serve. This sandwich is folded in half and eaten. Pass the extra sauce, as desired.

Serves 4.

Written For the Road...

If you've ever wondered what your dog is thinking, Stein's third novel offers an answer. Enzo is a lab terrier mix plucked from a farm outside Seattle to ride shotgun with race car driver Denny Swift as he pursues success on the track and off. Denny meets and marries Eve, has a daughter, Zoë, and risks his savings and his life to make it on the professional racing circuit. Enzo, frustrated by his inability to speak and his lack of opposable thumbs, watches Denny's old racing videos, coins koanlike aphorisms that apply to both driving and life, and hopes for the day when his life as a dog will be over and he can be reborn a man. When Denny hits an extended rough patch, Enzo remains his most steadfast if silent supporter. Enzo is a reliable companion and a likable enough narrator, though the string of Denny's bad luck stories strains believability. Much like Denny, however, Stein is able to salvage some dignity from the over-the-top drama.

FOOD FIND...

Blätterteig Apfel Strudel (Apple Strudel)

4 medium tart green apples, peeled, cored, quartered, sliced

1 cup toasted sliced almonds, chopped - divided use

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2/3 cup raisins

1 cup granulated sugar

Pinch of ground cinnamon

1 slice of sponge cake, 10 x 2 1/4-inch

1/3 cup rum

1 sheet prepared frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions

Egg Wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water

1 tablespoon sugar

Optional Garnish: whipped cream and fresh berries

-1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

-1. In a large bowl, combine apples, 3/4 cup of the almonds, sour cream, whipping cream, vanilla, raisins, sugar and cinnamon. Toss gently. Allow to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

-1. Place puff pastry on a lightly floured, dry surface. Using a rolling pin, roll until approximately 12 x 6 x 1/8-inch. Place on baking sheet. Place sponge cake down the middle. Drizzle rum over cake. Place apple mixture on top of cake. Fold puff pastry over the top and seal. Seal ends, too.

-1. Brush with egg wash. Sprinkle on remaining almonds and 1 tablespoon sugar. Bake in middle of preheated oven until golden brown, approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

Makes 8 servings.

*To toast almonds, place on baking sheet and place in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully because they can burn easily.