In My Easter Basket

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Crispy Chickpeas

A couple weeks ago when I hosted book club, one of the ladies who attended brought a bowl of roasted chickpeas.  They were delicious and they made a great addition to the spread that I had put out.  It was such a hectic week, so I threw them into the back of my mind as something to try and make in the future.

One Afternoon this week, I put on the TV for some background noise as I did some things around the house.  The Chew was on ABC, I think it comes on at 1PM.  I couldn't help but notice that one of the chefs was making crispy chickpeas.  I liked the idea of all the spices used in the recipe, so I decided that was the recipe that I would try.

I made the crispy chickpeas last week as a little snack to have while we prepared to BBQ for dinner.  They were perfect for that.  I will say, they do have a bit of a kick.  If this is not something you like, I would half the Cayenne Pepper to 1/4 tsp or even bring it down to 1/8 tsp depending on your spicy snack tolerance.

You can check out the recipe and instructional video for Carla Halls: Crispy Chickpeas HERE.

Step One: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Drain and rinse two cans of garbanzo beans.

Step Two: Dry the garbanzo beans by gently rolling them between two sheets of paper towel.

Step Three: In a small bowl mix 1 tsp each of Coriander, Cumin, and Turmeric. Add 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper or less depending on how spicy you want the chickpeas to be, and mix again.

Step Four: Toss the spice mix with the chickpeas until the chickpeas are covered.  Lightly coat them with oil (I used to truffle oil, because it was a spray and I thought it would be easier).  Spread the chickpeas out in an even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Cook for 30 minutes at 400 degrees (I cooked them in 15 minute intervals so that I could flip them around for even cooking).

Step Five:  In a small bowl, zest one whole lemon.  Add some salt for the lemon to infuse.  The recipe calls for two tablespoons of salt, but for me that is way too much.  I added a 1/2 tsp of salt to the lemon zest and mixed it together with my fingers.  Once the chickpeas were done cooking, I tossed them with the lemon salt in a bowl and let them cool for about 10 minutes.

 

Step Six: Enjoy! (hint: they tasted really nice with a lime beer)

I always appreciate when someone takes the time to make something to bring to my house.  I know not everyone has time to do so and bringing anything at all is always a nice gesture.  This snack was quick and easy to make and would be great if you want to take something homemade to a get together, but are also in a time crunch.

Have you ever been inspired to make something new based on something that someone has brought over to your house?

xo Bridget

All Ripped Up

I spent a good amount of my Sunday cleaning. Not my favorite thing to do, but it needed to be done.  As a little Sunday evening pick me up, my husband and I decided to pop out for a bite at a local restaurant.  I threw this outfit on, popped my hair into a bun, and was good to go! 

 I bought these jeans a few years ago at a denim boutique in Clarendon (Arlington, Va).  I was concerned with all the rips that they might not be the best investment, but they have definitely held up.  The boutique  has since closed, which is sad. I will always remember the time the owner took to help me pick out just the right pair for me and all the tips he gave me on sizing and how to wear them.  I love little specialty boutiques where the owners have a true passion for what they sell.

Vest: Daughters of the Liberation via Anthropologie (love this) and (this)

T Shirt: Nordstroms B.P.

Jeans: Current/Elliott (similar) (similar)

Bag: Marc By Marc Jacobs

Shoes: (similar) 

Joie De Vivre

Happy Friday!  I am super excited to say that I will be spending this weekend preparing for my parents to arrive here in Georgia on Monday.  I miss them so much and have been feeling pretty homesick lately, so I am thrilled that they are coming to stay for an entire week.  It will be fun to show them what we have already discovered here in Georgia and also to discover some new things with them.  I really can't wait.  

This week was so warm and sunny.  It was lovely to do some reading outside in the late afternoons.   I actually think I got a bit of a tan - in April. Can't believe it.  Georgia definitely has some perks!

Here are some fun pics from my week.

New Banana Shampoo & Conditioner that smell amazing.

A beautiful Monday evening spent photographing my husband at the motocross track.

My Spring reading list.

An Anole thats been living in the Spring wreath on my front door.

My backyard buddy.

Have a great weekend!

xo Bridget

Elastic Headband Updo

I have long been a fan of Deepa Gurnani headbands. They are so beautiful and intricate, and over the years I have acquired a little bit of a collection.  I love playing around and finding different things to do with them, and lately this easy updo has been my favorite.  Its great for days when I want my hair up and out of my face,  but also want something fancier than a bun.  

Step One: Comb through hair with a comb or fingers to make it easy to separate it into sections.  I usually use this updo when my hair is in between washes, I think it looks good weather your hair is clean or dirty.

Step Two: Lay your headband over the top of your head.  You want the elastic band in the back  laying on top of your hair.  It should feel pretty secure.

Step Three: Grab your hair on the left hand side and separate the first two inches into a section.  Use your right hand to pull the elastic band a little bit away from your head and use your left hand to loop that two inch strand over and through the elastic piece of the band that your right hand has lifted.

Step Four: Keep adding more to the that initial strand that you pulled through and continue that technique from the left to the right side of your head.

I am sure that you can make yours much neater and or tighter.  I like the less restrained look for myself.

Step Five: Grab the strands of hair that are hanging out in front of the band. Twist them back and tuck them into the band above your ears.

All done!

April Showers

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It's officially April and I can't believe how fast this year is flying by already.  As I have already described here, I love a good rainy day.  In celebration of the month of April and lots of showers in hope for May flowers, here are some fun rainy day things.


xo Bridget

Baked Brie

I try to be a healthy girl most of the time, but the fact remains that I love cheese.  That being said, every once and a while I indulge that love with a big baked brie.

I can come up with lots of great uses for brie, but baked brie is by far my favorite.  It is so warm and comforting as a late afternoon snack before a light dinner. This past Sunday, I used this recipe with the addition of walnuts and it was lovely. I sprinkled most of the  walnuts over the jam before I wrapped the brie in puff pastry and then just a few more on top of the brown sugar and maple syrup.

Give it a try, you won't regret it!

Here's what you need:  One Round of Brie, One Sheet of Frozen Puff Pastry, Raspberry Jam, Chopped Walnuts, Brown Sugar and Maple Syrup

And here's what you get (yum yum yum):

Don't mind my well used pan ( thats what parchment paper is for! )


xo Bridget