Ovens: Not Just For Baking Sweets

Oh my goodness!  I do declare that it has been nearly a month since we have spoken.  What, dare you ask, have I been so terribly busy with that I haven't been able to get in touch with you guys?  Well, lots of stuff.  Mostly school.  Such a simple answer and, yet, still such a long time.  I think I owe you guys a post and what better way to come back from the abyss than bearing gifts?

So, all things considered, this should probably be about baking.  I mean, it stands to reason that I love baking and, in trying to win your affections, I would bake.  Come to think of it, maybe I should have baked?  Well, long story short, folks, the oven is good for things other than baking sweets.  To prove this (to myself probably the most), we're going to talk about snacks. 

I fired up, or rather set the dial, to a lovely, toasty warm 350F (that's about 178-ish degrees Celsius OR 451.15 K for you science enthusiasts) and cooked me some kale chips.  Let me just say that this is the first time that kale and I have dated.  I originally purchased the kale to make soup (which turned out quite well), however, only so much kale actually fits in the CP.  Or, so I subsequently discovered.  I was, therefore, left with a lot of kale and, not wanting it to get gross and limp in the fridge, I decided to try this kale chip business on for size.  In truth, I had been thinking about doing this for quite some time.  After trying it out, I do say, it fits me quite well I do say! 

First batch I used Herb & Lemon seasoning from Club House.  They were tasty!  Second batch I used kosher salt and they were tasty too.  I, however, like my salt reserved for other things.  Like raw fish over rice.  Anyway, kale gets points with me for being leafy and green.  Aside from that, the interweb also says that they have a wealth of vitamins that I can chow down on.  The real story here is they are crunchy, tasty and better for me than chips.  At least, because they're green, I don't feel as guilty eating them.

I next cranked the oven to 400F (204.44 degrees Celsius or 477.15K) and made up some chickpeas.  I had picked up a huge can for a dollar and wanted to try something other than hummus.  Not that there is anything wrong with hummus.  With celery.  Need I say more?

Armed with a bounty of kale chips and chickpeas, I settled myself in on the couch and watched Beauty and the Beast.  And it was good.

If you want to make your own kale chips and roasted chickpeas, check out these instructional videos (kale! and chickpeas! oh my!) from Dani Spies.  She's a clear-speaking, friendly lady with some "d'lishes" ideas to get your movie night started!

What more could you want for some movie-watching?  Kale chips (left) and roasted chickpeas (right) make for some beautiful and beastly munching!