New fancy ideas

So today I have happened across some extraordinary finds - especially in the way of eating healthy. I find myself even more intrigued by sites that talk about at-home exercise routines, or easy (and healthy) homemade recipes for lunches or snacks. I have become passionate about, if not addicted, to Googling healthy living tips and tricks. Oh, I've got it bad.

But there's no harm in looking up some fantastic new recipes for meal ideas. In fact, I would consider this a job well done, and shall pat myself on the back promptly.

#1. First order of business, chickpea patties. I've never heard of these babies, but I will definitely be attempting them, immediately if not before.
Here's the recipe I'll be trying:
2 tsp canola oil
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 jalapeno (seeded and minced)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1 egg white
2 tbsp chopped parsley

In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the onion, garlic, jalapeno, oregano and basil for 5 minutes or until softened. In a bowl, mash the chickpeas until smooth (or use a food processor if you're lazy like me). Scrape the onion mix into the bowl and stir together. Add egg white and parsley and stir well. Divide the mass mixture into 4 equal portions and form into 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick patties. Place the patties on a (parchment lined) baking sheet and bake in the oven at 425 F for about 20 minutes (turning once, halfway through).
There are several recipes out there that allow you to fry these on the stove top as well, but I feel like baking them is an easier and healthier alternative. Can't wait to give these babies a try.

#2. Hummus.
Everyone else can eat hummus, so why can't I?! Oh right, that darned tahini (sesame seed paste) will put me in the hospital...
Fortunately, the Google has a variety of recipes that nix the tahini component for a healthy (and safe) snack.
Here's the recipe I'll be trying:
1 (15 oz) can chickpeas/garbonzo beans (drained)
1 lemon, juice of
1/4 c. olive oil
1-2 cloves of garlic, peeled
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (crushed) or cayenne pepper
1 tsp cumin
paprika and/or parsley for garnish (optional)
Basically, combine everything on this list in a food processor and blend until smooth... then eat it. And be merry and jolly forever.

#3. Southwestern Cheese Panini
Holy lightning. I stumbled across this recipe by accident, and I'm craving it SO bad right now. Must eat this immediately, if not before.
Here's the recipe:
4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese (or use whatever cheese you want really)
1 cup shredded zucchini (still not sure if I'll be using this or not, probably not...)
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1/4 cup salsa (mine will be blended, I hate chunky salsa)
1 tbsp chopped jalapeno (likely the pickled jalapenos, raw jalapenos are hard to handle)
whole wheat bread slices
Combine all the ingredients (save for the bread), and spread between two slices of bread. Pan fry on the stove in a bit of oil, or grill. Then eat, and die of happiness. Om nom nom.

#4.  Secretly Healthy Chocolate Brownie Cookies
Oh my goodness, if these cookies taste as amazing as they look... I will eat these all the time. I'll have cans upon cans of black beans in my cupboard. Thank you, Mrs. Hooge for introducing these to me...
Once again, the recipe for anyone else interested. Let me know if you've tried these, because I'm dying over here in anticipation!

In any event, these are some of my most recent and exciting healthy eating finds. I can't wait to stumble across some more... here's hoping they're as amazing as they sound/look.