Broccolini and Chickpeas

Hello 2021 here we go! A new year means it's time for some life reflection. I want to share a lesson I learned that I feel like many people need to hear. Mistakes are not failures. Mistakes are lessons. You only fail if you stop trying. I hope this sentiment will encourage anyone out there. Just like in cooking, mistakes happen all the time. It even gets the best of me a lot of times. The important thing is I still keep trying. It doesn't matter if there are a million other people out there more talented than me. Or if I have non-existent views on my page. Or I don't have the ultimate title of a Chef. My real value is deeper than any of that. The ability to cook for anyone is more than just making their belly full. It's an act of love that translates into a plate. One day I'll look back to this post (my recipe unrelated to what I wrote - typical me) and I hope to have inspired anyone to cook. I guess that would be my 2021 goal. Have anyone try any of my recipes and hopefully likes it! - Ok, now that the cheesy part of my writing is over, let's go back to the happy-funny vibes I want to emulate! So here's a joke I googled.

What do you get when you cross broccoli and a vampire? Count Broccula! Hah! Hah! Hah!

For Chickpeas Salad:

1# Chickpeas, cooked

1C Red Onion, julienne

1T Oregano Leaves

2T Olive Oil

1/4t Old Bay Spice

1/4t Onion Powder

1/4t Garlic Powder

1/2t Smoked Paprika

1/8t Cayenne

Salt

Pepper

Mix everything. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

2# Broccolini

Olive Oil

Salt

Pepper

1ea Blood Orange, segments

1ea Cara Cara Orange, segments

1/2C Feta Cheese

1ea Lemon

Heat saute pan. Once the pan is really hot, add the olive oil and broccolini. Season with salt and pepper. Add more olive oil if needed. Toss the broccolini until the color changes to bright green. Cover for a few minutes to help the steam cook it faster. Cook until the broccolini is tender but still have a bite. To serve, add the chickpeas salad with the broccolini. Garnish with orange segments, feta cheese, olive oil, and squeeze lemon juice before eating.