Zesty Roasted Chickpeas

This a delicious snack food that is easy and economical to make at home. When the chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) are roasted for a long period of time, they take on a wonderful crunchy texture. Many different spice mixes can be applied to these. They'd be great with just salt and pepper! However, I am a lover of all things garlicky and oniony so I present these delicious (and addictive) roasted chickpeas. Serves 2 (or 1, really).

Turkey Chili with Kidney Beans

This chili is absolutely fabulous either on it's own or over a baked potato with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chives. The flavor of the chili improves with age. Try to make it a day or two before serving. It can also be frozen for a month.

Black Bean, Corn, and Edamame Salad

This recipe is originally from Central Market, but it is so amazing, I absolutely must feature it! Packed with protein and fiber, this salad is a healthy and delicious alternative to the usual, fatty summer salads that show up at barbeques. Here, I have paired it with my oven-fried chicken which makes a fabulous cold lunch for the next day.

Vegetarian Chili

Sometimes you just don't want to eat meat or the fat that comes along with it. This chili is great just topped with fat-free yogurt (or fat-free sour cream) and mozzarella cheese or, for a more decadent comfort-food-dish, top a baked potato with this chili. Yum.

However, if you'd like to add some meat to this, brown 1 pound lean ground turkey. Add one tablespoon, or so, Worcestershire sauce to the meat. Add this meat to the chili after the addition of the water. If adding the meat, you can take out the mushrooms and bulgur, if you like.