For me there is a fine line between mild “oh I think I fancy something to eat” hunger and feeling “hangry” (bad tempered or irritable from my hunger!) so I like to keep snacks on standby. These are 5 of my favourite snack ideas - please let me know yours in the comments section below.
Crispy roasted chickpeas
Chickpeas roast particularly well, but this is a great – and easy – way to use up any other tins of beans gathering dust at the back of your store cupboard as well. Pat the chickpeas or beans dry with a clean tea towel (this is an important step, don’t skip it!), spread out evenly on a large roasting tray, toss with oil and your favourite spices (curry powder, harissa, and smoked paprika are all great); and roast in an oven preheated to 200C for 20-30 minutes, tossing halfway through and keeping a close eye after 20 minutes. Season with salt before serving. Here’s a how-to.
Chocolate-dipped fruit
Use up whatever’s in your fruit bowl with these chocolate treats. Start by melting a few handfuls of chocolate in a Bain Marie. Remove from the heat, then dip slices of apples, pears, or any other fruit into the mixture. Sprinkle some coconut flakes or chopped, toasted nuts on top – then pop them in the fridge to set. Here’s a how-to.
Sweet-and-savoury dates
This perfect mouthful hits both the sweet and savoury boxes! Stuff a pitted date (medjool dates are my favourite) with some ricotta, goat’s cheese, or feta and drizzle with a little honey. I also love adding some nuts, like here. Another option for a delicious filling? Some tahini with a little sea salt.
Chocolate bark
This is possibly the easiest sweet recipe imaginable. Simply spread out melted chocolate onto a lined tray and scatter with whatever chewy, crunchy, crispy things you like! A great one to make with kids. Here’s a how-to.
5 minute dip
Guacamole + feta = heaven. Say hello to my new 5 minute dip: fetamole. Mash 3 avocados and mix with the juice of 2 limes, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh red chilli or chilli flakes to taste, just under half a block of feta, salt and pepper. Top with fresh coriander and a little more feta. Serving with corn tortilla chips, pitta chips, crudites, toast, crackers etc.
This is such a genius move: fetamole?! Yes! 😍 x
PS hope you avoided the snow storms in LA??