Lately, I’m inspired to create crunchiness out of foods that don’t start out that way. I receive various cooking magazines, and, when one arrives, I sit down and read through the recipes, marking off the ones I want to try. My latest inspiration comes from the August 2022 Bon Appetit magazine.

Crunchy Capers

I made a pasta salad that was quite flavorful. I stirred in some capers, which I love. They give you a burst of briny tartness that is always a pleasant surprise. When I was a kid, my mom made tuna salad sandwiches and put capers in the tuna salad. I think that’s where my fondness of capers comes from.

The magazine suggested frying some of the capers to make them crispy. So, I tried it and sprinkled them on top of the pasta salad. What a great idea! Crunchy AND that fun burst of flavor.

To fry capers, first drain them of the brine. Then dry them on paper towels. Get them as dry as possible. Heat some vegetable oil (1-2 tbsps.) in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the capers and stir them around as they get crisp.

It only takes about 10 minutes. Some of them will fall apart, but that’s OK because those little pieces will get crisp too. Then drain them on paper towels. Sprinkle away!

Crispy Garbanzo Beans

Another thing that I made crunchy for a snack is garbanzo beans. Good ol’ chickpeas. Again, you drain them from the can, dry them on paper towels, then fry them in a skillet with oil until they’re slightly browned and crisp. Then drain them on paper towels.

You can sprinkle salt and curry powder on them and eat them for a snack. Or sprinkle chili powder on them. Use your imagination with spices that you can sprinkle on the chickpeas. They’re delish!

Lentils Can Be Crunchy Too!

One more thing that I made crunchy is lentils! Once they’re crispy you can eat them as is for a snack or sprinkle them onto your salad for more crunch. They provide lots of good nutrition along with protein. They’re a little more involved to get them crispy. Here’s the recipe:

1 Cup dried French Green Lentils (do not use red or yellow lentils)

2-3 tbsps olive oil

1 tsp kosher salt

Put the lentils into a bowl and add water to cover them by more than an inch. Let them soak overnight. After soaking, drain the lentils in a sieve and let them sit to drain for 10-15 minutes. Return them to the bowl that you have dried out. Stir the olive oil into them to coat them. Then spread the lentils into one layer on a cookie sheet.

Put them into the oven at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. Take them out and stir them around, then even them out in a single layer again and return them to the oven for another 5-10 minutes or until they are nice and crunchy. Sprinkle with salt. Add other spices, as desired, or just eat them salted.

These are three easy ways to add some good crunchy texture to your salads, or sprinkle into soups, or just snack on them. Nice for a change and a fun way to add good nutrient and fiber to your diet. Have fun with it and let me know how it goes.

What strange and fun recipe have you tried recently? Where did you find it? Do you think it’s worth exploring different cooking ideas?

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Around a year ago, I made the conscious decision to primarily use hair masks instead of regular, run-of-the-mill conditioner. Heftier formulas offer more in the way of reviving split ends, shine and softness on my bleached hair—and let me tell you, the difference this switch has made is astonishing. I’m always trying out new formulas to keep my locks in check, which is why I was wholly surprised to find I had yet to use one of the most revered out there: Coco & Eve’s Like a Virgin Hair Mask. And right now StyleCaster readers can save 15 percent on their order with the exclusive code SC15. 

First off, this product has so many glowing reviews, it took me who knows how long to sift through a majority of them. But as a beauty editor, I’m here to serve you the facts, which are as follows: This 5-in-1 treatment is capable of so much more than your average conditioner, and can transform the most brittle strands with each 10 minute application. It can be utilized a few different ways: Left on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing in the shower, or applying to dry hair and leaving on for up to 20 minutes (or even overnight) for added hydration. Whichever avenue you opt for, make sure to use the included tangle tamer brush to evenly distribute the product. 

Coco & Eve

Coco & Eve’s Like a Virgin Hair Mask

“Immediately after the first use I noticed a difference in my hair,” raved one shopper. “And as someone who is very insecure in my hair, I love that I could see instant results. My hair was very soft, had little to no frizz, and it even helped with oiliness. I went four days oil-free, and my hair never looked ‘flat.’ Absolutely LOVE this product and will be buying again.” 

The “multi-award winning” formula only delivers game-changing results. Ingredients like coconut oil, fig extract, shea butter, linseed, argan oil and probiotic extract restore dry, damaged hair to a shiny, glossy state, define natural texture and curls, revive split ends, tame frizz and flyaways, and last but not least, deeply condition tangles. It’s the perfect addition to a year-round routine, since it protects against the effects of environmental aggressors, such as humidity.

The mask has already made waves across the Internet, racking up thousands of eyeballs on dedicated TikTok videos. Plenty of the before-and-after’s showcase just how easily the mask can take dull strands to visibly new heights, especially when it comes to softness and shine. See here and here.

RELATED: Shoppers Call This Lotion a ‘Miracle Worker’ For Erasing Back-of-the-Arm Bumps & Dark Spots

“Hair was silky soft and full of life after one use. Couldn’t believe it,” raved another fan, while a third wrote, “I have very thick, frizz prone wavy/curly hair that I’ve always struggled with. This masque smells divine and also made my hair so soft and defined my waves and curls by diminishing frizz.”

For an even more noticeable hair transformation, use the hair mask alongside the Coco & Eve Miracle Hair Elixir, a multi-tasking hair oil that aids in quenching dry strands and keeping frizz at bay. 

Ready to take your hair care regimen to the next level? Start by making the dedicated switch to hair masks with Coco & Eve’s bestseller. Don’t forget to use code SC15 at checkout to save 15 percent. 

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Around a year ago, I made the conscious decision to primarily use hair masks instead of regular, run-of-the-mill conditioner. Heftier formulas offer more in the way of reviving split ends, shine and softness on my bleached hair—and let me tell you, the difference this switch has made is astonishing. I’m always trying out new formulas to keep my locks in check, which is why I was wholly surprised to find I had yet to use one of the most revered out there: Coco & Eve’s Like a Virgin Hair Mask. And right now StyleCaster readers can save 15 percent on their order with the exclusive code SC15. 

First off, this product has so many glowing reviews, it took me who knows how long to sift through a majority of them. But as a beauty editor, I’m here to serve you the facts, which are as follows: This 5-in-1 treatment is capable of so much more than your average conditioner, and can transform the most brittle strands with each 10 minute application. It can be utilized a few different ways: Left on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing in the shower, or applying to dry hair and leaving on for up to 20 minutes (or even overnight) for added hydration. Whichever avenue you opt for, make sure to use the included tangle tamer brush to evenly distribute the product. 

Coco & Eve

Coco & Eve’s Like a Virgin Hair Mask

“Immediately after the first use I noticed a difference in my hair,” raved one shopper. “And as someone who is very insecure in my hair, I love that I could see instant results. My hair was very soft, had little to no frizz, and it even helped with oiliness. I went four days oil-free, and my hair never looked ‘flat.’ Absolutely LOVE this product and will be buying again.” 

The “multi-award winning” formula only delivers game-changing results. Ingredients like coconut oil, fig extract, shea butter, linseed, argan oil and probiotic extract restore dry, damaged hair to a shiny, glossy state, define natural texture and curls, revive split ends, tame frizz and flyaways, and last but not least, deeply condition tangles. It’s the perfect addition to a year-round routine, since it protects against the effects of environmental aggressors, such as humidity.

The mask has already made waves across the Internet, racking up thousands of eyeballs on dedicated TikTok videos. Plenty of the before-and-after’s showcase just how easily the mask can take dull strands to visibly new heights, especially when it comes to softness and shine. See here and here.

RELATED: Shoppers Call This Lotion a ‘Miracle Worker’ For Erasing Back-of-the-Arm Bumps & Dark Spots

“Hair was silky soft and full of life after one use. Couldn’t believe it,” raved another fan, while a third wrote, “I have very thick, frizz prone wavy/curly hair that I’ve always struggled with. This masque smells divine and also made my hair so soft and defined my waves and curls by diminishing frizz.”

For an even more noticeable hair transformation, use the hair mask alongside the Coco & Eve Miracle Hair Elixir, a multi-tasking hair oil that aids in quenching dry strands and keeping frizz at bay. 

Ready to take your hair care regimen to the next level? Start by making the dedicated switch to hair masks with Coco & Eve’s bestseller. Don’t forget to use code SC15 at checkout to save 15 percent. 

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Around a year ago, I made the conscious decision to primarily use hair masks instead of regular, run-of-the-mill conditioner. Heftier formulas offer more in the way of reviving split ends, shine and softness on my bleached hair—and let me tell you, the difference this switch has made is astonishing. I’m always trying out new formulas to keep my locks in check, which is why I was wholly surprised to find I had yet to use one of the most revered out there: Coco & Eve’s Like a Virgin Hair Mask. And right now StyleCaster readers can save 15 percent on their order with the exclusive code SC15. 

First off, this product has so many glowing reviews, it took me who knows how long to sift through a majority of them. But as a beauty editor, I’m here to serve you the facts, which are as follows: This 5-in-1 treatment is capable of so much more than your average conditioner, and can transform the most brittle strands with each 10 minute application. It can be utilized a few different ways: Left on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing in the shower, or applying to dry hair and leaving on for up to 20 minutes (or even overnight) for added hydration. Whichever avenue you opt for, make sure to use the included tangle tamer brush to evenly distribute the product. 

Coco & Eve

Coco & Eve’s Like a Virgin Hair Mask

“Immediately after the first use I noticed a difference in my hair,” raved one shopper. “And as someone who is very insecure in my hair, I love that I could see instant results. My hair was very soft, had little to no frizz, and it even helped with oiliness. I went four days oil-free, and my hair never looked ‘flat.’ Absolutely LOVE this product and will be buying again.” 

The “multi-award winning” formula only delivers game-changing results. Ingredients like coconut oil, fig extract, shea butter, linseed, argan oil and probiotic extract restore dry, damaged hair to a shiny, glossy state, define natural texture and curls, revive split ends, tame frizz and flyaways, and last but not least, deeply condition tangles. It’s the perfect addition to a year-round routine, since it protects against the effects of environmental aggressors, such as humidity.

The mask has already made waves across the Internet, racking up thousands of eyeballs on dedicated TikTok videos. Plenty of the before-and-after’s showcase just how easily the mask can take dull strands to visibly new heights, especially when it comes to softness and shine. See here and here.

RELATED: Shoppers Call This Lotion a ‘Miracle Worker’ For Erasing Back-of-the-Arm Bumps & Dark Spots

“Hair was silky soft and full of life after one use. Couldn’t believe it,” raved another fan, while a third wrote, “I have very thick, frizz prone wavy/curly hair that I’ve always struggled with. This masque smells divine and also made my hair so soft and defined my waves and curls by diminishing frizz.”

For an even more noticeable hair transformation, use the hair mask alongside the Coco & Eve Miracle Hair Elixir, a multi-tasking hair oil that aids in quenching dry strands and keeping frizz at bay. 

Ready to take your hair care regimen to the next level? Start by making the dedicated switch to hair masks with Coco & Eve’s bestseller. Don’t forget to use code SC15 at checkout to save 15 percent. 

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Around a year ago, I made the conscious decision to primarily use hair masks instead of regular, run-of-the-mill conditioner. Heftier formulas offer more in the way of reviving split ends, shine and softness on my bleached hair—and let me tell you, the difference this switch has made is astonishing. I’m always trying out new formulas to keep my locks in check, which is why I was wholly surprised to find I had yet to use one of the most revered out there: Coco & Eve’s Like a Virgin Hair Mask. And right now StyleCaster readers can save 15 percent on their order with the exclusive code SC15. 

First off, this product has so many glowing reviews, it took me who knows how long to sift through a majority of them. But as a beauty editor, I’m here to serve you the facts, which are as follows: This 5-in-1 treatment is capable of so much more than your average conditioner, and can transform the most brittle strands with each 10 minute application. It can be utilized a few different ways: Left on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing in the shower, or applying to dry hair and leaving on for up to 20 minutes (or even overnight) for added hydration. Whichever avenue you opt for, make sure to use the included tangle tamer brush to evenly distribute the product. 

Coco & Eve

Coco & Eve’s Like a Virgin Hair Mask

“Immediately after the first use I noticed a difference in my hair,” raved one shopper. “And as someone who is very insecure in my hair, I love that I could see instant results. My hair was very soft, had little to no frizz, and it even helped with oiliness. I went four days oil-free, and my hair never looked ‘flat.’ Absolutely LOVE this product and will be buying again.” 

The “multi-award winning” formula only delivers game-changing results. Ingredients like coconut oil, fig extract, shea butter, linseed, argan oil and probiotic extract restore dry, damaged hair to a shiny, glossy state, define natural texture and curls, revive split ends, tame frizz and flyaways, and last but not least, deeply condition tangles. It’s the perfect addition to a year-round routine, since it protects against the effects of environmental aggressors, such as humidity.

The mask has already made waves across the Internet, racking up thousands of eyeballs on dedicated TikTok videos. Plenty of the before-and-after’s showcase just how easily the mask can take dull strands to visibly new heights, especially when it comes to softness and shine. See here and here.

RELATED: Shoppers Call This Lotion a ‘Miracle Worker’ For Erasing Back-of-the-Arm Bumps & Dark Spots

“Hair was silky soft and full of life after one use. Couldn’t believe it,” raved another fan, while a third wrote, “I have very thick, frizz prone wavy/curly hair that I’ve always struggled with. This masque smells divine and also made my hair so soft and defined my waves and curls by diminishing frizz.”

For an even more noticeable hair transformation, use the hair mask alongside the Coco & Eve Miracle Hair Elixir, a multi-tasking hair oil that aids in quenching dry strands and keeping frizz at bay. 

Ready to take your hair care regimen to the next level? Start by making the dedicated switch to hair masks with Coco & Eve’s bestseller. Don’t forget to use code SC15 at checkout to save 15 percent.