Joan Leotta’s Chickpea and Carrot Curry

Two servings—save half for tomorrow.

1 medium onion, chopped

1 clove of garlic, minced

2-3 chopped carrots

1 15-ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed (I like the Bush Bean brand—a lower sodium variety, but just use less salt if you use the regular)

1-2 Tablespoons of ginger powder

1-2 Tablespoons of curry powder

1 teaspoon of cumin

Salt and black pepper to taste

3-4 Tablespoons of olive oil

One package of Naan bread (You can substitute pita or even regular bread)

Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and carrots in

3 Tablespoons of olive oil for about 2 minutes. Add the drained chickpeas and the spices—curry powder, cumin, and ginger, and salt and black pepper to taste.

If it looks dry, add a bit of water and another tablespoon of oil. Then cover and continue to sauté for 3 minutes, longer if you like the veggies softer. Watch that there is enough liquid or oil in the pan to keep things from burning.

Serve with bread.

Try a New Spice

Old ingredients with new spices can make a simple dinner seem new. Make cooking fun by going outside of your spice comfort zone (my comfort zone is with Italian herbs). As I looked for something new made with ingredients I already liked, I discovered Chickpea Carrot Curry. I had to buy curry powder the first time I made it, but after that purchase, I looked for other recipes that would use the curry. Now it’s a staple on my shelf.

The recipe on the opposite page makes enough for two. It calls for serving with naan bread— an Indian bread found in many supermarkets. But you can use pita if it’s cheaper, or even sandwich bread, to sop up the “sauce” created by the cooking vegetables. One of the best things about this recipe is how fast it cooks up! continued from page 19 retired a couple of years ago. She no longer participates in the games but continues to work as an ambassador.

The Role of an Ambassador

All three enjoy the role of ambassador for the Gator Games and SilverArts and feel honored to represent Brunswick County Games in the county and at the state level.

“We also provide feedback and recommendations to help strengthen the program at the county and state levels,“ Gary says.

Chris notes, “We’re getting to know new people and welcome participants and the public to events. We see active adults participating in so many activities! Creating marketing materials to encourage participation is also really fun.”

“There is so much talent in our senior population and so many seniors here have never heard about the games,” Joyce says. She really enjoys making presentations that explain this athletic and creative outlet. “Senior Games stress the importance of physical health and creativity ability, not only at the Senior Games, but all through the year.”

Register Now!

Joyce Lowrimore has retired from participating in the Senior Gator Games but still serves as ambassador.

Photo contributed

This year registration for the Brunswick County Games, both the athletic and SilverArts portions, runs from February 1-March 15. So there is still time to select a category and enter. (Registration costs $15.)

Find a registration form at your senior center, or call the County Department of Recreation or download the form from the website at https://tinyurl.com/4sf9vwnc.

Join In The Games

So, feeling like you would like to exercise your abilities and maybe even win recognition for it? Sign up for the Senior Games or SilverArts.

Registration is open until March 15. If you can’t find a form at your local senior center, call 910-253-2670 or register online at https://tinyurl. com/4sf9vwnc.

You can see the list of games and arts categories online at www.ncseniorgames.org/ brunswick.

Learn more about the Brunswick County Gator Senior Games & SilverArts: at https:// tinyurl.com/59v7h6sz.