Quick! Your friends have invited you to a picnic in the park that starts in ONE hour- what on earth could one possibly whip up to contribute to the food festivities? This month’s Recipe Redux asked us to shake up our picnic game and create a dish to serve al fresco- so here we go!

When time is short and warm weather is calling allow Picnic Chickpea Poppers to come through to save the picnic day. I would bet that most everyone has a can of chickpeas in their cupboard and a selection of spices in their cabinet, so that even with last minute notice anyone can bring together a tasty snack for a day in the park or at the beach.

These poppers are made with a barbecue seasoning because I have a hard time separating outdoor gatherings from this Southern summertime flavor. They’re not too sweet or spicy, making them a great snack for adults and even kids with more sensitive palates.

Another reason I love this snack is that they’re practically worry-free in terms of food safety! I always recommend being the first to help yourself to the potato and macaroni salads at any outdoor event as the longer those dishes sit out in the sun without proper cold packs, the greater your risk of food borne illness becomes. But with these crispy poppers you can be the picnic participant who puts every parent and food safety czar at rest!

I personally love munching on these by the handful, but they’re a great addition to any other vegetable or grain salad that fellow picnickers may have brought as well.

Picnic Chickpea Poppers

Ingredients

• 2 cans low sodium chickpeas- drained and rinsed well

• 1/2 tsp sweet hungarian paprika

• 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp olive oil oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Add drained and rinsed chickpeas to a mixing bowl. Measure and add each spice to the bowl, followed by olive oil. Toss well with hands or spoon. Transfer seasoned chickpeas to a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

3. Transfer baking sheet to oven and cook for 40-50 minutes, giving the pan a jiggle halfway through. Poppers are done when slightly browned and crispy, but with a little tenderness still. Serve as recommended above.