Vegan Diaries - Greek Style Chick Pea Sandwich

 I have been doing some cooking experiments the last couple of months (RT will graciously accept prayers and maybe a free meal or two).   I have been pretty lucky with the majority of the meal finds.   

I tested these Greek Style Chickpea Sandwiches (a couple of times) and they turned out to be quite tasty!   The chick peas are seasoned and baked in the oven for added crunchiness.  The hummus adds flavor and also keeps those chick peas from falling out onto your plate.  And, wow, what can I say about that tzatziki sauce except that it's awesome!  

Here's the recipe:

Greek Style Chick Pea Sandwich

for the chickpeas

1 can chickpeas, drained

1/2 TBSP olive oil

1/4 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp garlic powder

"Tzatziki"

1/4 cup plain vegan yogurt*

1/8 tsp peeled, grated cucumber

1 clove garlic

1/4 TBSP dill

1/2 tsp lemon juice

Toppings:

1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup cucumber, quartered

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 TBSP olive oil

Garlic hummus

feta cheese

pitas*

instructions:

Oven 400F.

Combine chick peas and seasonings in bowl.  Mix until well covered.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone liner.  Place chick peas on baking sheet and place in oven for 20 minutes.  Check chick peas, flip over and bake for another 10-15 minutes so they are almost crunchy.

While the chick peas are baking, make the "tzaziki."  Mix all ingredients in bowl and place in the refrigerator until ready to use.

To serve:  spread a spoonful of hummus on center of pita or tortilla (this is to hold the chick peas).  Top with the veggies and tzatziki.  Feel free to add feta and/or lettuce.

This recipe makes 3-4 sandwiches.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

*I used a vegan style mayonnaise

*If you don't have pita's, try using a tortilla.

These received a thumbs up all around. 

If you make these Greek Style Chick Pea Sandwiches, let me know in the comments.

Enjoy!

Fasting

  Fasting is when you refrain from eating and or drinking.  Sometimes this is done as a religious observance, an illness or health concerns (allergies, etc).  And sometimes you just want to inflict the pain upon yourself  fast for personal reasons.  

RT was on one of his health reviews, rambling about things that he would like to try.  Of course, while I was present for this discussion, I wasn't fully present (in other words, I wasn't listening).  During his ranting  tirade  health discussion, he mentioned fasting.  I chimed in, to show my support and that I was listening, that he should go for it.  In fact, I would join in on this fasting event.  I volunteered, thinking that this would never happen and he would never take me up on my offer to fast with him.  Of course, I was wrong.  RT decided that we would be doing a liquid diet "starting tomorrow."  By liquid, he meant water only.

Now, I'm not against fasting.  I've done it before, no problem.  But, I had some good leftovers that I was looking forward to eating.  How did I get myself into this situation?  Why did I agree to this torture  experiment?  

I decided that I would remain positive throughout the torture  experience.  My yummy leftovers will be my prize if I survive.

My day started out normal with my 3-4 mile walk.  When I came home to grab the dog for a quick walk I was greeted by RT telling me about his hunger pangs.  I continued by getting through my "To Do" list.  By noon, RT was dying  STARVING and I agreed to his idea of a glass of vegetable juice.  I was able to pull RT through  We survived until our 6:00 pm deadline.  My leftovers were waiting there at the finish line.  Funny thing is, I still did not have a huge appetite.

Since this experience, we have tried to duplicate our success.  Unfortunately RT  one of us is always starving and our fasting time ends.

Have you tried fasting?  

International Clothesline Week

 This year I am posting about the fun National Weeks throughout the year.  This week we are celebrating the relationship with our clothes for International Clothesline Week.

International Clothesline Week is designed to encourage people around the world to dry their clothes naturally by hanging them on a clothesline.  Since the sun's power is free, think of the efficiency and cost savings of hanging your clothes out to dry.  It's also a great for the environment and your clothes!  

A clothesline can be strung between a couple of trees, attached to a fence or they do sell free standing clothes dryers.  You can even hang your clothes to dry inside your home. 

By hanging your clothes you can extend the life of those garments.  The dryer is great to use when you need something in a hurry.  But, friction in the dryer and over heating causes a breakdown in the fibers of your garment.  

Oh, and don't forget about that fresh scent you get when your sheets were hanging outside to dry! 

I do a lot of clothesline hanging.  I live among tall people and have to hang a lot of clothes so the dryer doesn't take of any of the length.  I love hanging clothes outside, unfortunately our area doesn't allow outdoor clotheslines.  I do use some of the outdoor furniture as a makeshift clothesline.  

How to observe the week?

Hang a clothesline and hang your clothes out to dry.

There are some contests around the world like, 

longest clothesline

most colorful clothesline

youngest helper

most unusual clothesline

You can also use this as some additional exercise, with all of the bending and hanging.  Toss in a few lunges and you are good to go!

You can also participate on social media.  Just use #Clotheslineweek *

*Check instagram under that hashtag.  There are a couple of cool photos.