Creative Uses for Pita Chips

Pita chips are not just a delicious snack food; they also have a lot of other uses. I am addicted to Stacy's Pita chips but sometimes I make my own. They're an inexpensive, versatile food that is perfect to keep on hand whether you just want healthy snacks for lunchboxes or for an impromptu appetizer.

There are lots of brands of pita chips available, but I personally love Stacy's pita chips because the chips are thick, super crunchy and very flavorful. They're also baked so they're lower in fat than fried chips. However, it's quite easy to make your own. I use low-carb, whole-wheat or multi grain pitas but it's really a matter of taste. I preheat my oven to 375 and brush the pitas with a small amount of EV olive oil. Then I season it to taste, depending on what kind of chip I desire. You could just use a little kosher or sea salt or get a little fancier with some garlic powder, black pepper, and whatever other spices you like. You can also sprinkle them with grated cheese like Parmigiano, Swiss, or lowfat cheddar or mozzarella. Then I cut the pitas into wedges with scissors. I get about 8 wedges out of a pita but you can cut them smaller. Bake them until they're brown and crispy, about 10-15 minutes.

Pita chips are a great dipping tool. Of course they are traditionally served with hummus, but try and break out of the box. Serve them with a hot crab or shrimp dip, Tapenade, or a roasted red pepper and Parmigiano dip. You could also make large pita chips and use them in the way you do bruschetta, with a simple topping of chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, garlic and your favorite cheese.

Pita nachos are a deliciously fast meal or snack. Using the pita chips as your base, top them with refried beans, cooked ground beef or shredded chicken, grated cheese, and chopped green onions. Bake them at 350 until warm and the cheese is melted and serve salsa and lowfat sour cream on the side. For a different twist try Greek nachos. Top pita chips with chopped tomatoes, chopped Kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onions, crumbled herbed feta cheese, and a light drizzle of EV olive oil. You could also add some cooked shrimp or shredded chicken breast for a more substantial meal. Instead of sour cream serve a Greek style plain yogurt mixed with chopped, peeled, seeded cucumber and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Try a sweeter version of pita chips. Brush your pita with some melted light butter. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar (brown sugar crystals with a nice crunch) and cinnamon. Bake until brown and crispy. Now make a dip out of nonfat plain yogurt. Drain the yogurt in a strainer lined with a paper towel until it's very thick. Stir your favorite low sugar jam into it, such as raspberry, apricot, blackberry, or even apple butter. Now you have a slightly sweet but still healthy treat or dessert.

Pita chips are deliciously convenient, fast and fabulous. Try some of these ideas out and I guarantee you'll become as addicted to them as I am. It's a good thing they're healthy!