Rinse dry chickpeas and cover with water.

Allow to soak overnight or at least 8 hours.

Drain peas.

STOVETOP: Roast at medium low heat in a large skillet or home style coffee bean roaster, stirring constantly about 25 minutes for regular size chick peas, 15 to 20 minutes for the small ones.

OVEN: Spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet and roast about 30 minutes at 350 degrees F for regular size chick peas, 20 minutes for the small ones.

MICROWAVE: Put on microwave safe dish in a single layer. Microwave on high (100 percent power).

Depending on size of chick peas and your oven, microwaving takes 2 to 6 minutes. Taste to check for doneness.

VARIATION: For flavored roasted chick pea snacks add salt or a small amount of any of the following mixtures to the hot roasted peas immediately upon removing them from heat.

The flavoring liquid needs to absorb into, or dry onto the peas -- you don't want the peas sitting in pools of liquid.

Toss frequently as they cool and serve immediately, or refrigerate for later use.

Olive oil, garlic salt, black pepper and clipped rosemary leaves.

Soy sauce alone or mixed with Oriental (dark) sesame oil and hot chili powder.

Tomato juice and curry powder.