MJ'S BRUSSEL SPROUT SALAD

LAYERED SALAD in a GLASS CAKE PAN

serves 8 to 12

1 head iceberg lettuce

1/4 cup chopped purple onion

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

1/2 cup chopped, fresh mushrooms

12 oz. package frozen peas, thawed

2 cups real mayonnaise

2 Tablespoons sugar or honey

1/4 lb. grated cheddar cheese (I like extra sharp)

1 lb. lower-sodium bacon, fried, cooled and crumbled

(may replace/add in cooked lentils, chickpeas, black beans, e.g.)

1) Remove core from head of lettuce. Cut head into quarters. 

2) Carefully separate the lettuce layers. Put half of them in the bottom of a 

9 x 13, glass cake pan. 

3) Top with half of the onion, half of the celery, half of the green pepper, half of the mushrooms, and half of the frozen (thawed) peas. 

4) Combine the mayo with the sugar. Spread half of the mayo mixture over the salad. Top with half of the cheese and half of the bacon. 

5) Repeat with another salad layer, starting with lettuce and ending with bacon. 6) Cover cake pan tightly with foil. Place in refrigerator and chill for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours. Cut into 8 to 12 square pieces. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

SPICED CHICKPEA "NUTS"

INGREDIENTS

• 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• (most people like them spicier - red pepper flakes or light wasabi, etc.)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat to 450°F.
2. Blot chickpeas dry and toss in a bowl with oil, cumin, marjoram, allspice and salt. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring once or twice, until browned and crunchy, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes.
3. * most reviews indicated to cook a longer time....and a bit lower temp.... EXPERIMENT with it!

TIPS & NOTES

• Make Ahead Tip: Cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.

NUTRITION

Per serving: 103 calories; 5 g fat (0 g sat, 3 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 14 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 4 g protein; 5 g fiber; 303 mg sodium; 2 mg potassium.

from www.eatingwell.com