Baked Chickpeas

This is a fun, healthy snack. I'm looking forward to playing with the spice mixture to get it just right.

3 cans chickpeas
1 1/2 T olive oil
2 t sugar
1 1/2 t ground cumin
1 1/2 t paprika
1 t cayenne pepper
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Drain, rinse, and dry (using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels) the chickpeas. Mix chickpeas, olive oil, and spices together in a bowl. Place the seasoned chickpeas on a cookie sheet and cook 40-60 minutes, mixing about halfway through.

Meat Sauce

1 T olive oil

1/2 red onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb. ground Italian sausage

1 large can crushed tomatoes

1/2 t oregano

1/2 t rosemary

salt and pepper (to taste)

Brown sausage in medium sauce pan with olive oil, onion, and garlic. Add tomatoes and spices and simmer over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes or until sauce is heated through. Serve over the pasta of your choice and garnish with cheese if desired.

Banana Bread

• 1 C butter flavored vegetable shortening
• 2 C powdered sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1-1/2 C mashed ripe bananas (about 4 bananas)
• 2 t baking soda
• 1 t salt
• 2-1/2 C all purpose flour
• pinch of cinnamon (optional)
• pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• pinch of pumpkin pie spice (optional)
• 1 C nuts (optional)

Mix all ingredients in order shown using a mixer until well blended. Bake in a 9"x9" glass pan or two loaf pans (oiled and floured) in a 350 degree oven for 50-60 minutes or until cooked through.

Cole Slaw

1 package prepared cole slaw mix (or 1 lb. of shredded cabbage/carrots)

1/2 onion, minced

1/2 C milk

1/4 C sugar

1/2 C mayonnaise

1-1/2 T white vinegar

1/2 t salt

juice of one lemon

pepper to taste

Mix milk, sugar, mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, and lemon juice together in a large bowl until smooth. Mix in cole slaw mix and onion. Cover and refrigerate at least two hours before serving.