Mini Snack

Need a little pick-me-up? Something to tide you over until the next meal? These are delicious, easy to make, and healthy. Great to throw in a tuperware and throw it in your bag and head out the door.

Chickpea Nibble
1 can chickpeas, drained, rinsed, pat-dry
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
pinch ground pepper
1/2 tsp favorite dried herb or spice (I like garam masala, also try thyme or oregano)

Put chickpeas in bowl. Toss with oil, add spices/herbs, salt, pepper. Arrange in single layer on baking sheet. Cook at 300 degrees, stirring occasionally until they have browned and crisped. (Recipe says about 50 minutes, some times it needs longer). Store in air tight container.

Lunch Box Redux

Although I love a good peanut butter and jelly sandwich (no grape jelly please) on some soft bread, it is not something that agrees with us Gluten Freers out there. Plus, by Wednesday you are probably craving something new.
Here is a great alternative for your lunch box that I found in Martha Stewart Living. Make a double batch to last you a few days.

Crisp Tofu with Crudites and Sesame Ginger Dipping Sauce
Martha Stewart Living

FOR THE SAUCE
5 teaspoons coarsely chopped peeled fresh ginger
1/4 cup tahini
5 teaspoons low-sodium tamari soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon rice vinegar

FOR THE TOFU
1 1/2 packages firm tofu (21 ounces total), cut into 2 dozen pieces and pressed (see below)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

FOR THE CRUDITES
1/2 head green cabbage (1 pound), cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges
8 ounces green beans, trimmed, steamed until crisp-tender
1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick strips

Directions

1. To press the tofu, place it on a rimmed baking sheet lined with a double layer of paper towels, then cover it with another double layer of paper towels. Place a baking sheet on top, and weight with heavy cans. Let stand for 30 minutes, then pat the tofu dry.
   
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Make the sauce: Finely chop ginger in a food processor. Add tahini, tamari, honey, oil, and vinegar; process until combined. With machine running, add 3 tablespoons cool water. Process until smooth.
3. Put tofu into a medium bowl. Add sesame seeds, oil, and salt; toss to combine. Arrange tofu in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until golden brown and bottoms are lightly crisp, 12 to 15 minutes. Flip tofu, and bake 10 minutes more. Let cool completely.
4. To assemble, divide cabbage, green beans, and bell pepper into 4 servings, and top with tofu. Divide sauce among 4 small cups.