Spiced Chickpeas

From The Moroccan Collection by Hilaire Walden

Moroccans are inveterate snackers, masters at producing a myriad of nibbles throughout the day. Deep-fried spiced dried fava beans are a particular specialty, but because it is so much easier for us to get chickpeas, I am giving a recipe using them. Baking is more in line with modern eating and cooking, so I have modified the traditional method.

Ingredients:
1 can (14 oz.) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 plump garlic cloves, crushed
paprika and ground cumin, for sprinkling
salt and pepper

Directions:
1. Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet. Mix the oil with the garlic and pour over the chickpeas, stirring everything together.

2. Transfer the baking sheet to a preheated 400 degree F. oven and cook the chickpeas for about 15 minutes, stirring them occasionally so they cook evenly.

3. Tip the chickpeas onto papertowels to dry them, then toss while still warm with paprika, cumin, and salt and pepper. Eat while warm or store in an airtight jar in a cool place for up to two weeks.

Serves 2-4.

Rene’s Coleslaw

foodnetwork.com
Courtesy of Paula Deen – Paula’s Home Cooking

Ingredients:
5 cups shredded cabbage
1/2 cups almonds, toasted
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup chopped green onions, white and green parts
1/2 cups chopped green bell pepper

Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon honey mustard
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper

Directions:
Combine cabbage, almonds, cranberries, celery, green onions, and green pepper in a large plastic bowl with a snap-on lid. Combine all dressing ingredients, adding salt and pepper to taste, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Pour dressing over slaw just before serving. Stir well.

Corn on the Cobb Salad Wrap with Grilled Onion Blue Cheese Dressing

foodnetwork.com
Courtesy of Michael Chiarello

Ingredient:
2 whole skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 slices prosciutto
2 ripe avocados
1/2 head romaine, rinsed, spun dry, and finely chopped (about 4 cups)
1 cup cooked corn (fresh or frozen), heated or defrosted
1 bunch watercress
2 tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped
3 large hard-boiled eggs, separated and chopped
4 large flour tortillas
1 1/2 cups Grilled Onion Blue Cheese Dressing, recipe follows

Directions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan.

2. Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Grill for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Set aside to rest for 2 minutes and then cut into bite-size pieces.

3. In a skillet, cook the prosciutto over moderate heat until it is crisp; transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Break into bite-size pieces.

4. Halve, pit, peel and cut the avocado into 1/2-inch pieces.

5. In a large salad bowl, toss together the romaine, corn, and watercress. Add the chicken, prosciutto, tomatoes, egg yolks and whites, and avocado.

6. Pour Grilled Onion Blue Cheese Dressing over salad and toss well. Divide over tortillas and fold or roll up to make a sandwich wrap.

Grilled Onion Blue Cheese Dressing:
1 sweet white onion
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco)
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
12 ounces blue cheese, crumbled

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan. Onions can be grilled utilizing a stove top grill pan or outside grill.

2. Remove outer skin of the onion. Cut into 1/2-inch thick circles. Place in bowl and season with extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper, to taste. Transfer onion to grill or grill pan and cook over medium-high heat until they have a transparent, caramelized color, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool, then cut into medium dice.

3. In mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, hot sauce, and Worcestershire until well blended. Add blue cheese and mix well to incorporate throughout dressing. Fold in diced grilled onions. Check for seasoning. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Yield: 4 cups