ROASTED CHICKPEAS [EGG AND DAIRY FREE]


This makes an excellent snack, nutritious and delicious. Try it instead of potato chips.

2 cups cooked chickpeas, drained well

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon coriander

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

This couldn't be simpler to make, especially if you use the canned peas. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix the peas with the seasonings and spread them out evenly on a nonstick baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes or until the peas are browned and crispy.

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SPLENDID SPELT (EGG AND DAIRY FREE)

If you haven't heard, spelt is making a comeback--well, in the United States, anyway. It's always been fairly popular in other parts of the world. For those of you who are not familiar with it, spelt is a distant relative of wheat. It has a nutty flavor and is quite nutritious.

Sara, who sent us this recipe for Splendid Spelt, writes: "This was such a hit at a recent potluck... Great side dish served hot or cold."

1-1/2 cups of spelt

12-ounce jar of bean dip

4 cups water

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 teaspoon ginger

Cayenne OR 1 tablespoon liquid "hot sauce" to taste

Handful of wild rice (optional)

1/4 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)

Greens for garnish (broccoli and/or parsley)

Mix the bean dip in 4 cups water. Add onion, spelt, rice, onion, ginger, cayenne, OR hot sauce. Soak mixture overnight.

Bring mixture to a fast boil; reduce heat until liquid "boils away." Stir occasionally. (For color, stir in chopped red bell pepper.) Garnish with parsley and/or broccoli stem stuck in the center of the dish.

Serve cold or hot.

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APPLE AND RICE DESSERT (EGG AND DAIRY FREE)

I've seen a few versions of this recipe. Some recipes call for you to pour the apple mixture over the cooked rice. I prefer to mix them together for a rice pudding texture. Either way, it is a delicious treat.

4 red apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

3/4 cup apple juice

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups cooked brown rice

Combine the apple slices, juice, and cinnamon in a large pot and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be sure to avoid damaging the apple pieces when stirring. After the apple pieces are soft, mix in the vanilla extract and the rice. Serve warm.

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ONION SOUP

Thanks for sending in this recipe, Albert! Albert's recipe calls for soy Parmesan, which may be a little difficult to find. You may have to opt for the regular Parmesan or just forget about the cheese altogether.

7 cups vegetable broth

1/4 cup Ume Plum vinegar

2 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 ounce fried shiitake mushrooms or 4 ounces fresh

1 large red onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon miso

Whole-wheat croutons

Soy Parmesan

Bring first four ingredients to a boil in a saucepan. Meanwhile, rinse dried mushrooms very well to remove grit. Add mushrooms to pan,...