**Extended Notes to TNFro Is Reading Podcast**

I think the blessings of God in the spirit of FroBird

Continues to push me to post about activities that bring me joy and hopefully bring light and levity to others.

I spent a large part of my evening adding to my Amazon Christmas Play List. Seriously DMX nor should Gucci Mane be allowed to make Christmas Albums. Why should Rudolf Red Nose Reindeer have a Crunk Remix??? I can’t even…But there they are on my Black Christmas Carol List on Amazon.

Today is the official Winter Solstice and the first time in 800 years since Jupiter and Saturn are in perfect alignment to create the perfect double planet in the sky at dusk.

My window points perfectly southwest, and I got to witness this beautiful sight tonight.

Cocktail Time with Rose

I watched the sun set and the brilliant Jupiter Saturn alignment while I sipped this subtle Rose by Black Girl Magic

Eat Fresh Greek Balela

Full Meal unto itself

I had no idea Chick Peas Could taste so good!!

Recipe

3 ½ cups cooked chickpeas (or 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed)

½ green bell pepper, cored and chopped

1 jalapeno, finely chopped (optional)

2 ½ cups grape tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes), slice in halves if you like, or leave whole

3-5 green onions, both white and green parts, chopped

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (use ones that have been preserved in jars with olive oil)

⅓ cup pitted Kalamata olives

¼ cup pitted green olives

½ cup freshly chopped parsley leaves

½ cup freshly chopped mint or basil leaves

For Dressing

¼ cup Early Harvest Greek extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp white wine vinegar

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 garlic clove, minced

Salt and black pepper, a generous pinch to your taste

1 tsp ground sumac

½ tsp Aleppo pepper

¼ to ½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large bowl, mix together the salad ingredients: chickpeas, vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs.

In a separate smaller bowl or jar, mix together the dressing ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt and pepper, and spices.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix gentle to coat. Leave aside for 30 minutes before serving, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

When ready to serve, give the salad a quick mix and taste to adjust seasoning if at all needed. Enjoy!

NOTES

Turn your babela into a meal! This wholesome, nutrition-packed salad can easily be turned into a meal. Serve it in warm pita pockets with a drizzle of tahini. Or add it to an impressive vegetarian mezze platter with baba ganoush and roasted red pepper hummus.

Recommended for this recipe: Early Harvest Greek extra virgin olive oil (from organically grown and processed Koroneiki olives). And from our all-natural spice collection: Sumac and Aleppo Pepper.

Plan on Marinating Boneless Chicken Thighs and pairing it with this fresh Greek Dish Panzanella

Takes 15 minutes to prepare longer just to get the ingredients, rinse and combine.

Why can’t we all practice being alone and being ok? Can’t we all find ways to self soothe and elevate our own spirits without having to be around massive crowds spreading contagion?