Broccoli Stem Chips + A Campaign to Inspire Action

This post is dedicated to the Bloggers Against Hunger Campaign.

We are working collectively to raise awareness about the hunger issues in America. In America, where food is available in plenty it is an irony that 1 out of 5 kids go without proper food everyday. Today, I urge you to take action and play a small but significant role in solving the hunger problem in America. Here's what you can do

• Click Here to write to your Representative, Senator or elected official emphasizing that you want to end hunger in America by maintaining and prioritizing anti-hunger initiatives in Congress.
• I also encourage you to watch " A place at the table" with your family and friends to spread more awareness of this issue. It is available online on youtube.

In my effort to find budget & health friendly recipes, I decided to try something different by using stuff in our kitchen which we discard and never use. Broccoli stems for example have been one item in my list that usually land up in the trash. So I decided it was time to look into what I could do with those stems. Surprisingly there are many options. I liked one which was a quick and easy snack - Broccoli Stem Chips. These chips are best if eaten fresh out of the oven. It does not cost anything as you are using left overs and pantry staples.

Ready to eat broccoli stem chips

Sliced broccoli stem

Broccoli Stem Chips:

Ingredients:

Broccoli stems
1 Egg
Splash of milk
Bread crumbs
Any kind of Paprika, Cayenne Pepper
Garlic Powder.

- Preheat oven to 350.

- Peel the Broccoli stems and slice into every thin slices.

- Prepare the egg wash, by breaking the egg and adding a splash of milk.

- In another bowl, add the breadcrumbs, paprika and garlic powder.

- Dip the slices in egg wash and then in breadcrumb mixture and place on baking sheet.

Ready to be baked.

- Bake in the oven for 10 mins or until golden brown.

- These are crispiest when eaten fresh out of the oven.

Chips ready to be eaten.

- Enjoy !!!

Cucumber Cups

Cucumber Cups :) 

For halloween this year, I made these cucumber cups as an appetizer for our party. They looked good, are easy to make and are a crowd pleaser. Great for your vegan and gluten free friends . There are just three ingredients in this dish Cucumbers, Sabra brand hummus and paprika.
Oh, and I forgot to mention I had won a party pack by Sabra and so decided to make something using the hummus. I hope you do enjoy making and serving these cucumber cups to your family.

Recipe:
Seedless Cucumber ( peeled and cut into chunks)
Melon baller
Hummus ( I used Sabra garlic hummus)
Paprika

Once you have peeled the cucumbers, and cut them into chunks, use a mellon baller to remove a small portion from the middle of the chunk and fill it with hummus. Do the same with other remaining chunks. Sprinkle paprika on the hummus to get it a twist. Your appetizer is now ready to be enjoyed.

 Do you have a special easy appetizer, that you love making and your friends enjoy? Do post your comments and feedback, I would love to know what you all think.