If you like chickpeas...

And honestly, even if you don't, make this recipe! I cook a lot at home and most of the time what I come up with is fine. But this was good. As in I took a bite and kind of laughed at how good it was. I didn't follow the recipe exactly, but I'd imagine it's pretty good in any incarnation. Here's how I made it, and I'll link to the blog I found it on.

I used one can of chickpeas, following Karlye's handy directions for bringing them to a boil and then simmering for about 15 min.

Diced about half of a red onion (could easily use more- I was just too lazy to go grocery shopping) and a few good-sized garlic cloves. Sauteed in olive oil for around 15 minutes- should be soft and browning. Add 1 can of diced tomatoes- I don't think it matters what kind exactly, mine were pretty juicy which I think worked well- and a "pinch" of sugar to the onions/garlic and cook for another 15 minutes or so. It should be kind of tomato-pasty but not too much. I then added slivered almonds and cilantro- not a ton of either one, but enough so you could see and taste them. Drain and add the chickpeas to the veggies, along with some water. I realize these are super vague directions- I probably added less than 1 cup, and it was a good kind of soupy but follow your own preferences. Cook that whole mixture for another 10-15 minutes, add a little salt and some lemon juice if you're so inclined. And then eat the amazingness that you have created in awe.

Here's the real recipe- but I would strongly urge you to use cilantro if you like it, and don't stress about the garlic-almond-parsley -saffron food processor mix. I ignored that step. http://www.travelerslunchbox.com/journal/2007/5/29/chickpea-consolation.html

In other news, I have been a baking fiend. Cinnamon rolls, pumpkin chocolate muffins, almond poppyseed scones, challah, etc. And then last night I attempted peanut butter cookies and pretty much failed. So I'm asking for cookie recipes that don't require a mixer- I haven't bought one yet and I'm being stubborn.

Also, if you have a quiet weekend day available- make some challah. It will make your whole house smell incredible and you will end up with some fancy-looking bread for your trouble. I used this recipe: http://thekitchensinkrecipes.com/2008/10/10/creature-of-habit/#more-2725

One other thing I've been meaning to make but haven't tried yet is polenta...anyone ever tried that? I was thinking about making it and then baking it into squares but I'm a little intimidated.