Burgers and a reflection

The all American favorite, made my way yet again.


Before cooking. This is another one of those looks-unappealing-but-tastes-great recipes.

1) Nut & veggie burgers

Ingredients
- 1 15oz can beans (I used chickpeas)
- 1/3 cup walnuts
- 2 tbsp pepito (hulled pumpkin seeds)
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/2 red onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 stalk celery
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/4 cup flour (more as needed)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp nooch
- 1 tbsp flax + 1 1/2 tbsp water (or your preferred egg replacer)
- 1-2 tbsp fresh parsley
- S&P, to taste

Instructions
- Mix vegetables, nuts, and beans in a food processor. If your processor has a grating option, grate carrot instead of adding it in chunks. Process until the mixture just starts comes together.
- Add flour 1 tbsp at a time. Pulse to combine.
- Remove from processor and add mixture to a large bowl. Mix in pumpkin seeds, nooch, and herbs.
- Shape into 4 patties. Refrigerate at least one hour.
- Pan fry for 5-7 minutes on each side, top with favorite toppings and enjoy!


These were really delicately flavored, slightly nutty and a nice simple veggie burger.

2) Portobello burger



Easiest recipe ever. Just marinate a mushroom cap in balsamic vinegar, 2 cloves of garlic, a few torn basil leaves, S&P and red pepper flake for at least a half hour. Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side. I topped mine with half a roasted yellow pepper, grilled red onion, dijon and tomato paste. Delicious! However, the star here is the corn on the cob, because I've been craving one for MONTHS. Luckily there are more in the fridge.

After a weekend of binge drinking, binge eating, and other forms of debauchery, I'm back in the swing of things. I took a much needed rest day yesterday and had an awesome work out today. I feel rejuvenated and all around fantastic. Something I learned this weekend is that it's okay to let go every once in a while - I won't gain weight or suddenly become unhealthy or out of shape because I indulged one night. Everyone deserves to lose their inhibitions sometimes.