Childhood Favorite

Sad news: this may be the last post for about two weeks, from me anyway. I have faith that J will carry the sole responsibility of posting for this blog. She makes fantastic meals all the time. Yet, even more sad than that, I wont be doing  any cooking during these two weeks, instead I'll be living a hotel and eating out every.single.day. Blehhhh. Don't get me wrong, I loooooove trying new restaurants but for two whole  weeks??!?! I'll have to figure something out. 


Happy news: Kraft pasteurized prepared cheese product aka Kraft American cheese. Before you judge me, know that it is, and I quote, an "excellent source of calcium"  AND "always made with milk" and I would say thats enough to justify eating it...maybe?!? Eh, I don't care. This stuff is SO good. Like seriously good and on top of that it reminds me of the grilled cheese sandwiches and scrambled eggs Daddy used to make me growing up. Also, I made it 'gourmet' (if that's even possible) by eating with fresh eggs, Ezekiel english muffin and my most recent condiment obsession, tomato paste sprinkled with smoked  paprika. Okay, I'm joking, it wasn't even close to gourmet. But, IT WAS SO GOOD. 


See???? Now you want some too, dontcha?!?

This delicious sandwich was so quick and easy to put together: Cook up two eggs, trim them to fit english muffin, slather one side of muffin with tomato paste and paprika while the other side is under the broiler so the cheese melts. Easy right?!?! And so yum. You could also add on a side salad or carrot sticks. (OPTIONAL)

Today is a big day for me. Today is the day I submit my first application to grad school. I am hoping they love my personal statement because I spent SO much time writing, editing, getting other's opinions, re-writing, etc. This last draft though, is pretty darn good. Guess it doesn't matter what I think though, hoping admissions thinks it's fabulous, too. 

-S

THE Burger

I didn't think I'd post again today, but alas, here I am again! Woo! I just HAD to share this burger I had for dinner.


This makes me wonder though, what is the definition of a 'burger', culinarily speaking? Without doing a ton of time consuming research, a burger is made from ground meat. So, if I make a 'burger' from mashed sweet potato and black beans, can I technically call this a 'burger'?? Hmmmm.. more research is needed on this topic. Maybe this would be a good question for my beloved Alton Brown. Yes, I think I'll ask him via Twitter. 


Anywho, I unfortunately cannot take credit for this burger recipe. Believe me though, this thing is ahhhhmazing. Then again, I do love sweet potatoes, a lot. Easily my favorite vegetable. It's a quick dinner if you make a batch on a Sunday and freeze. They're easily reheated in the oven/under the broiler when you're hungry and want some foods on the fly. 


Sweet Potato 'Burgers'
((serves 6-8))


1-15 oz can black beans
3 C mashed sweet potato
1/2 onion
2 garlic cloves
1/2 C cooked quinoa (or other)
6 T oat flour (or other)
2 T sunflower seeds or pepitas
chopped parsley and/or cilantro
1/4 t cayenne
1 t chili powder
1/4 t corriander
1 t cumin
1/2 t salt


1. Sauté onions and garlic until tender and starting to brown. 
2. Meanwhile, mash half the beans into a paste and keep the other half whole. In a separate bowl, mix all the spices together and set aside.
3.  Combine all the ingredients except spice blend. I like to season with the spice blend to taste, so add accordingly. Also, if burgers are too wet, add flour until they're just right. 
4.  Divide evenly and shape into patties and freeze on a sheet pan. 
5. Once frozen, wrap in plastic and foil and store until ready to eat.


To reheat: place burger on a pan and heat in a 450 F oven for about 20-25 minutes. If the top is not yet browned, set oven to broil until desired doneness.


I like looooove, Ezekiel english muffins. They have so much flavor and great chew. Not to mention, an awesome ingredient list. These babies make a perfect bun. Toast, spread on some tomato paste, top with burger, a fried egg (sprinkled with smoke paprika) and you've got yourself a FANtastic dinner. Eh, and maybe throw in a side of steamed veggies.

So there you have it. 






Shoot! It's already 8 and I'm trying to put the final touches on this personal statement. eeeeek. 


-S