I am using a recipe from The Kitchn (not a typo) website, as a jumping or should I say “leaping” off starting point. For my first try I am only using only 1 can beans, and I have followed the instructions to rinse and let dry and preheat the oven. I tossed them with olive oil and salt, then put them in with the timer set for 10 min. I stirred/tossed them after the first 10 min and then after I tossed/stirred for the second 10 minutes, I leaped off from the recipe. I have watched a lot of Rachel Ray who discusses ‘toasting’ spices especially in oil to ‘wake them up’ so… I sprinkled the sizzling beans with the chili powder and ground mixed pepper so that the spices get a chance to toast a little.

Ok, they are done! Crispy on the outside and still soft on the inside, just as the recipe said. The time I tried them when someone else had made them, they were crispy all the way through and spicy. Mine are lightly dusted with the chili powder and pepper but very tasty! I think they would make an excellent, warm vegetarian snack, especially for a Super Bowl Party. I could see them for a great, high protein after school snack. The recipe said roast NO more than 30 minutes — which I followed, that said there is still a bit of bean flavor in the chewy center. So, if your kids are picky, watch carefully to roast a few minutes more — your kids will not know they are beans!!

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of this Leap Day, I am going to enjoy some of these tasty treats.