Homemade Pita Chips

I devour books whole, swallowing them in one mouthful. Most people take in books slowly, savoring them page by page, drawing out the stories over the span of days and weeks as they pick them up for an occasional hello. Some days I wish of a world where stories could travel farther through time, the sentences stretching over hours instead of seconds. My impulsive nature dictates otherwise; falling hard and fast for a narrative, it refuses to put it down until the final page has been turned. I wish I could make the stories last longer. I wish, in so many ways, they would never end.

They always do, they must, but there is an endless supply reaching out to take the next place.

When I pick up a book, I expose my soul to it, allowing it into my most vulnerable and unguarded corners in a way I struggle to do with people. I live vicariously through the characters, experiencing their highs and lows, swept up in the journey of self-discovery. Even so, the end of a good book jars me. My heart is so consumed with emotion and the story told that I find it difficult to adjust back to reality for a moment. I want to share this experience with those around me. I want them to feel as I do in that instant, somehow both shattered and whole. Instead I keep the quiet moment to myself and pass the book along to them, hoping they will find the same experiences as I did.

Last weekend, on a long car ride back from the mountains, I picked up Cheryl Strayed's Wild. My eyes were glued to the page as Cheryl took me through her journey. While I wish to speak about this book in great detail, it is simpler to tell you that there are many books worth reading and this is one of them. And so, I pass the book on to you.

Just as I have a fondness to revisit favorite books, I like to do the same with recipes. While many recipes can stand alone, I like to give a few of them a bit of a tweak now and then, to steer the recipe on a new course of its own.

When I found myself with more pita bread than a lone woman should eat, I cut it into slices, spiced it, and baked it until crisp. As I dipped my fresh pita chips into a bowl of hummus and paged through a magazine, I wondered whether the experience of eating a good dish was similar to reading a good book. Food takes me through a journey of the senses, of memories, of nostalgia, and, in a few instances, of self-discovery. While most foods and flavors I enjoy are a part of the everyday scene, there are a few that stick out in my mind. As great books, these recipes have carved a place in my heart. I find myself longing for more after the last bite is gone, grateful for the experience, wishing I could share the moment with you.

And, thankfully, I can.

Homemade Pita Chips are spicy, addictive, and perfect for snacking. Pita bread is brushed with a layer of oil, cumin, and chili powder, sprinkled with salt, and sliced into bite-sized pieces. The chips emerge from the oven browned and crispy, ready to be dipped into a bowl full of humus. While I used homemade pita bread for this recipe, store bought pitas will work just as well. A fair warning, however: you may find it difficult to share.

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Pita Bread

4 pita bread pockets
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teapsoon chili powder
Salt, to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, cumin, and chili powder. Brush the pita slices with the oil mixture and slice each pita into 8 equal pieces with a pizza cutter or sharp knife.

Place on baking sheet and sprinkle salt over the chips. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until browned and crispy.

Serve warm or room temperature with hummus or left plain.

Comments

[Danae (The Busty Baker)]

Everything about this post is beautiful. Between your writing and your photos, you've quickly become one of my favorite blogs.

I'm the same way, devouring books. I can't understand my boyfriend who only skims through books, rarely allowing himself to become immersed in words. When I read, I dive headfirst into the author's world, only reluctantly reemerging when I absolutely have to.

[Marta @ What should I eat for breakfast today]

I love books as well and reading, it always relaxes me. But of course there are titles not as relaxing, hahaah. Your chips will be great for reading :)

[Alex]

As someone whose favourite thing is spending an afternoon lost inside a book, I loved this post. You have a talent for putting those feelings into such elegantly written words, and I always enjoy reading your posts.

[Belinda @themoonblushbaker]

You have described my relationship with book in such poetic verses. I can not stop once I get my hand on a book I love, often missing meal because of it and end up eating snacks through out the day. I love pitas and I am going to save a bunch by making these! Hummus here I come

[CC]

Yum!

[Eileen]

Yes! Homemade pita chips are such a great idea. There's not better reason to keep am emergency package of pitas around. :)

[Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar]

These look like an absolute dream! Yum!

[April]

This was so deliciously descriptive and well written.... I've subscribed! I live by happenstance in the blogosphere but your words have tantalized my senses and my palate!

Thank you, too, for the book recommendation!

Your newest fan,
April Driggers
Keller, TX