Baked Spiced-up Chickpeas

uch is being said these days about the importance of eating healthy. I believe there is an increased awareness among people in general as well. The sad part is that health food oftentimes discounts on arguably the second most important aspect of food - taste. Well it does not have to be that way. It can not only taste great but actually taste like some of the most sinful treats that we coerce ourselves into resisting. If you have ever tried chana-zor or 'mixture' as it is also called in some parts of India, you would know that awesome tangy spicy crunchy taste that I believe hardly there would be any soul that does not like. Yet, at least I know for one that resists it due to all the deep frying involved. This masala mix of chickpeas is a attempt to create the same spicy tangy taste but without having to fire up the fryer. Being chickpea based, it also provides a healthy serving of protein. Although, after you've tried it you will care less about the nutrition and simply enjoy the addictive taste.
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Date and walnut muffin (eggless)

Growing up, for breakfast we mostly ate chapatis along with with some pan fried veggies  or poha or upma and on special occasions or on weekends poori and sabji.That was mostly the routine of course with variations on some days. Our parents did that forever and so did their parents (and I am sure their parents did the same :). After which off we went to where ever we had to go, school, college or work. Our current lifestyle being a little different, these days I go for much a lighter breakfast especially on weekdays. Be it a bowl of cereal or oatmeal or a quick sliced bread sandwich with some fruits and veggies. To keep things interesting, I always find myself looking for ways to come up with interesting but light and yet 'breakfasty' recipes. I have found that a light muffin or a light fruit bread comes really handy. Also you can create different variations of the same basic muffin or bread. Here's a recipe for a date and nut based muffin that was really liked by hubby and my princess alike. It is mildly sweet, has a distinct taste of dates, cinnamon and walnuts, not to forget the bite of tangy cranberries and is extremely light that makes it just right for breakfast.
Here it is -
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