This semester, I have made an amazing discovery: a discovery of my love for chickpeas. I felt ridiculous writing that statement but I don't think my obsession with chickpeas and all chickpea related products can be described any other way.

I have always been one to throw chickpeas in my salad for added protein, this is something that I have been doing throughout college. However, this semester my eyes have been opened to the world of other chickpea products.

It all started back in September when my mom sent me roasted chickpeas. This was the best care package anyone could have ever sent me and was the beginnings of my journey to find out just how much chickpeas could be a part of my life (mom, if you're reading this, feel free to send along some more :)). Did you know that companies make all different flavors, from sea salt to barbecue to cinnamon sugar to honey roasted? Don't knock it till you try it, I can't go more than two days without pulling out one of my little roasted chickpea packets.

Great news is, if you don't feel like buying them from the grocery store, you can roast your own and add spices! My mom did this for me as welcome home treat for Thanksgiving and it was the most wonderful thing to come home to.

I realize that I sound like a complete nut, but it's nice to have little things to make me excited, and if you know me, you know how excited anything chickpea related makes me.

My love for chickpeas extends into the realm of hummus. Hummus is not only low in calories, but is a great snack and is perfect to mix with pita bread, apples, carrots, pretzels, you name it! For all you Villanova students reading this, be on the lookout for when Conn has hummus in the side station! You probably don't have friends texting you when it's there, so it's best to stay aware.

Let's not forget about falafels or, my favorite discovery "hippeas": chickpea puffs! There is even a place, Hummus and Pita co, that has dessert hummus and a hummus milkshake!

Whether you are new to the world of chickpeas and other chickpea products or have tried them before, I urge you to try out all the different things this wonderful food has to offer. An article by healthline.com speaks of their many benefits, including helping manage weight, blood sugar, and their plant based protein, proving that chickpeas' are more than just a delicious snack.

While this may be a ridiculous article to write and read, I hope that it's made you smile during this stressful time of finals :)

Your Favorite Chickpea Enthusiast,

Sam