Chili lime Roasted Chickpeas

I was out for lunch one day this week at this little place that makes great fresh salads while you wait. You choose the type of greens, protein, veggies, and mix-ins that you want and they make your salad right in front of you. Normally, I don't veer too far from the ordinary. You see I have the tendency to stick to things that are quite plain. Romain and spinach, cucumber, red peppers, carrots, celery, black olives. Nothing too flamboyant right? It's a salad after all. But I decided to step out of the box and go a bit adventurous adding roasted chickpeas. Yes, I know, I'm a real wild child. Ha!

And now I'm hooked! I love chickpeas. I knew I would have to go home and recreate these little crunchy gems as soon as possible

The funny thing is that for the longest time I was never someone who liked chickpeas. Perhaps its from when I first dappled in making my own hummus. Or maybe it was when I cooked my own from scratch - never having cooked beans from the dried variety before. It also could have been the smell it left in the house afterwards that just didn't want to leave. Yik

For the longest time I kept trying to love chickpeas, but nope, I just couldn't get it right. It's funny how some things are like that. Then I tried my brothers homemade hummus one day and was seriously impressed. That stuff was so good. I must remember to get that recipe from him. Nothing compares to homemade hummus when its made perfectly. Now I'm happy to say I really enjoy chickpeas.

Roasting chickpeas turns them into something very special, quite similar in resemblance to bar nut's. This is a healthy snack that you can feel good about eating! The perfect snack that's small and crunchy.

They also make a nice alternative to croutons in a salad or soup. However these are addictive just the way they are - au naturel.

Chili Lime Roasted Chickpeas gluten free, vegan (makes 1 1/2 cups)

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Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (about 1 15 ounce can)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• zest of a lime
• 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 1/4 tsp sea salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400*F.
2. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Lay them on some paper towel and gently rub them to remove any skins. Make sure they are completely dry.
3. In a large bowl, stir together the olive oil, chili powder, zest, and ginger. Add the chickpeas and toss to coat. Spread the chickpeas out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake the chickpeas, stirring them occasionally, until crisped and lightly browned, 25-35 minutes. You may want to taste test a few to make sure they are done to the desired texture. Once they are removed from the oven sprinkle them with sea salt. 
5. Allow the chickpeas to cool completely and serve.

Notes: Depending on how hot your oven gets the chickpeas may take less than 35 minutes to roast. Be sure to keep your eye on them so they don't burn!

Banana Ice Cream

Happy New Year everyone!

New Year's resolutions are flying left and right right now, so what better post could I start the year off with than the healthiest ice cream in the world?

If you are looking to try something new or make some healthy changes or additions to your diet this year then please give this a try. It's magical and you'll love me for it.

Behold. BANANA ICE CREAM!

Unless you've been living under a rock you probably know all about banana soft serve ice cream. I admit I'm a little late to the party on this one, but if you're anything like me, that is ice-cream obsessed, then this could quite possibly change your life. Especially if you are vegan or lactose intolerant. I should also mention that this "ice cream" is completely guilt free. What could be better?

Ice cream has always been one of my favourite cheats. Mint chocolate to be specific. The stuff is like crack! Thanks goodness for this alternative...and my self-control, hehe. I think I first discoverd banana ice cream from the lovely Angela over at Oh She Glows. It was her healthy vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie 'Blizzard' that got me interested.

100% natural and vegan. No chemicals or preservatives. 100% dairy free. Totally kid-friendly and so so easy to make.

If you've never done this before all you need is a food processor, some frozen bananas and a few mix-ins. It's that simple. Just take your frozen banana's and whiz 'em up, scraping frequently, until you have silky-smooth ice cream. Next time you find yourself craving a big bowl of ice cream give this a try and I promise you will be satisfied.

When you process the banana's, you'll first notice that they turn granular. They might even turn into a single ball that spins around the food processor, but not to worry, just keep processing and the banana's will start to turn creamy around the edges. This is when you'll want to stop and scrape down the sides, then continue blending and scraping creamy consistency. You can always add a little splash of milk (non-dairy if you wish) to help it along. The whole process should take about 5 minutes in total.

It's great plain just the way it is, but if you're feeling extra decadent, definitely give this recipe a try.

Chocolate Ginger Banana Ice Cream gluten free, vegan (serves 2-3)

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Ingredients:

• 3 peeled banana's, cut into chunks and frozen for easy processing
• 4 Tbsp cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• splash of pure vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp crystallized/candied ginger, chopped

Directions:

1. Peel and cut your banana's into smaller chunks, then freeze in a zipper bag for at least 2 hours (I will freeze them over night and often have some in the freezing handy at all times - perfect for smoothies too).
2. Blend banana's in a food processor, stopping to scrape down the sides every so often until they resemble soft serve ice cream.
3. Next add in your cocoa powder, ground ginger and vanilla and process until combined. Then with a spatula or spoon stir in chopped ginger.
4. You can enjoy it right away or transfer to a freezer friendly container to store in the freezer. If you do store it in the freezer it will become solid again, just use an ice cream scoop when you are ready to serve it. Just like real ice cream!

**Note** Please don't try to make this in a blender. There isn't enough surface area for the blades to chop the banana's and will not turn out. Bring out the food processor for this one.

Have you discovered banana soft serve yet? What's your favourite ice cream flavour?