7 Pre-Thanksgiving-Meal Snacks To Keep People From Hurting Each Other

Providing delicious snacks for hungry guests has been shown to decrease Thanksgiving-related violence by up to 78%.

1. Smoky Fried Chickpeas

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Nobody doesn't love a good spicy fried bean.

SERVES 4

2 large cans chickpeas

1 cup olive oil

1 Tbsp. lemon zest, strips

1 Tbsp. smoked paprika

1 sprig fresh thyme

1 coarse salt to taste

4 pieces garlic, sliced

Drain chickpeas and set on paper towels over a colander to dry throughly (can be done one day in advance).

Heat oil in a large pan (preferably cast-iron) to 355ºF or until oil makes bubbles around one chickpea. Add lemon zest, thyme sprig, and fry chickpeas in batches so pan doesn't crowd. Fry about 5 minutes until crunchy and golden-brown.

Remove chickpeas and herbs from oil, drain well over colander/sieve. Add sliced garlic to oil and fry until golden. Drain.

Toss chickpeas and garlic with smoked paprika and salt, adding more if necessary. Serve warm.

2. Sage-Candied Walnuts

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WARNING: It's possible that at least one guest will form a candied walnut habit and refuse to consume anything else for the rest of the meal.

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3. Party Popcorn

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Like all great spectacles, Thanksgiving cooking chaos is best observed while eating popcorn. This popcorn.

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4. Fig and Blue Cheese Savouries

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Like an adorable way of having an entire cheese plate all to yourself.

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5. Chevre Devils

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Candy pecans, stuff dates, arrange, eat.

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6. Party Mix for Grown-Ups

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Sure, all the little nieces and nephews are cute or whatever. That does NOT mean they should have exclusive access to fun snack mix.

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7. Crispy Spice-Brined Pecans

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These pecans are harboring a dark, salty, and very tasty secret: They've been BRINED.

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