Spicy Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Culinary:

1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, red bell pepper, red onion, cucumber, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss to coat.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Avocado Toast with Poached Egg

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 slices of whole grain bread
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chili flakes (optional)

Culinary:

1. Toast the slices of bread until golden brown.
2. In a medium pot, bring water to a simmer and add the vinegar.
3. Crack the eggs into individual ramekins.
4. Create a gentle whirlpool in the pot and gently add the eggs, one at a time. Poach for 3-4 minutes.
5. While eggs are poaching, mash the avocado and season with salt and pepper.
6. Spread the mashed avocado onto the toasted bread.
7. Top each slice with a poached egg and sprinkle with chili flakes if desired.

Banana Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Butter or oil for cooking

Culinary:

1. In a blender, combine bananas, eggs, oats, baking powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Blend until smooth.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a little butter or oil.
3. Pour small amounts of batter onto the skillet to form pancakes.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Culinary:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Stir in cooked spaghetti, parsley, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Toss to combine.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Culinary:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Cut a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with the tomato mixture.
4. Secure with toothpicks if necessary and place in a baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.