Thursday, July 12, 2012

{Thirsty Thursday} Happy Happy Hour


Have you seen the wonderful dates that Ashley at Not Without Salt makes with her husband? I love this idea. Sometimes I get bummed because between the hubs and I both working full time, plus our own passion projects, and trying to see friends and family we don't often get one-on-one time. It is a blessing to have a full life! And I know I often take for granted being married to someone who works so hard. 





We're working on carving out more time for each other and making dates a regular part of our routine. But when time doesn't allow - we make a snack and a drink or two and sit on the porch {after baby bedtime} and spend a few minutes catching up. It is never an hour, but it makes me very happy.  


How do you make time for your special someone? 



BBQ Roasted Chickpeas
Makes 8 snack sized servings

You can use this technique to with any flavor combination you like, and, yes, you could do this with cooked and cooled chickpeas instead of canned.

2 (15 ounce cans) chickpeas
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional to taste
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Heat the oven to 400˚F. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Line a half sheet pan (or other rimmed baking sheet) with paper towel and spread the chickpeas out on the towels. Top with a few more paper towels and rub the chickpeas dry. Remove all the paper towels and spread the chickpeas into an even layer on the pan.

Roast the chickpeas for 30 minutes. While the chickpeas roast, combine the sugar, oil, vinegar and spices in a small mixing bowl. Check the chickpeas when the 30 minutes are up. The chickpeas should be crunchy with only a small amount of moisture in the their middle. Toss on the pan with the oil, sugar, spice mixture. Return to the oven for another 30 to 45 minutes*. Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. 

*I know this is a pretty wide range, but chickpeas vary by type, brand etc and yours may require more or less time. Check them at ten minute intervals to be sure. 

Besides Delicious 
makes 1 cocktail 

My husband usually prefers a beer on these mini dates. This is the concoction I've been drinking the most this summer. One of my "Moms" helped me name it on instagram! {thanks Darlene!}

In a rocks glass brimming with ice, combine 2 ounces bourbon with  1 ounce orange liquor top with strong ginger beer and stir gently to combine. 

5 comments:

  1. An at-home date is so cute. It's great that you are making an effort to find time for each other. And wow nothing like a bourbon cocktail to help unwind!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Once again, the drink looks delicious! Maybe it's because we're not really drinkers at home, (my husband doesn't drink at all), but I just love the look of a mixed drink, or a pretty glass of wine, or a frosty mug of beer. And, let's be honest, I love the taste too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Both of these are a perfect way to spend a Friday evening! Snacks and booze!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Those chickpeas look amazing! Yes, having dates with your husband is challenging. Thanks for the reminder to look at positives- hard work, heck even having a job these days!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Those chickpeas look good, I'll have to try. I make roasted chickpeas but only flavoring with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Looking forward to trying a different flavor.

    ReplyDelete