While you are roasting vegetables and eagerly awaiting your onions and carrots to soften, log onto Beliefnet and take the Politic-OMatic Quiz.  An interesting buffet of political questions are presented to you that assess your beliefs and values in order to find out where you – the quiz-taker – fall on the political party spectrum.

I took the test and while I stood exactly where I thought I would, the questions did give pause for thought.  I realized that some questions were weightier than others; and some issues warranted more research and reading on my part.

AND … by the time I was done with the quiz, my veggies were tender and ready to serve!!!
ROASTED VEGETABLES & CHICK PEAS
Serves 8:
Approx. 250 calories per serving!

I love, love, love this recipe because it is easy-peasy, heart healthy, includes some of my favorite comfort foods, and it’s on the cheap.  My kids are coming for dinner and I’ve got a bucket of this on the stove, bubbling away.    Served with a salad and a fruity dessert, and wowzer … another 5 yum meal from your favorite Dysfunctional Chef (me!).

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb. carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (My taste buds are doing the Comfort Food dance!!!)
1 large sweet onion, Vidalia works for me, peeled (of course), cut into chunks.
1 lb. little potatoes (I like the little bags of little potatoes – but if you want to buy potatoes and cut into chunks, then try russerts
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 16 oz can of chick peas (aka garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried thyme   (Play Simon & Garfunkel’s song)
1 tablespoon agave syrup (great substitute for sugar)
salt n’ pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Place all vegetables, garlic and chickpeas in a large shallow roasting pan.
In a small bowl, combine the other ingredients.
Drizzle over vegetables; toss until well-coated.
Roast, uncovered, for about 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender!!!

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For more recipes from your favorite Dysfunctional Chef, as well as the best weight loss wisdom on the planet,  join  Our Lady of Weight Loss’s Kick in the Tush Club.  Slim down while you laugh it up!!!