someone is going to steal this idea and make 27 billion dollars February 27, 2011

Bloggies, I have done it again!!

I have created ANOTHER astonishing veggie burger recipe.

I drew inspiration for this one from falafels, and think it may actually be even more delicious than my last recipe.  I beg you to try it, because it is seriously that good.

Jen’s Greek-ish Style Veggie Burger

1 can chickpeas

4 scallions, chopped

1 egg

2-3 tablespoons flour

red onion, chopped

1 clove garlic

cumin

oregano

pita bread

Mix everything but the pita bread (duh.) together in a food processor or blender, and pulse until most of the chickpeas are chopped up.  (I actually like a courser patty, so I only pulsed 2 or 3 times.)  Depending on how moist the “batter” is, you may need to add more flour, but you’ll just have to eyeball it.  Mold the batter into about 4 patties (that’s how many I got out of this recipe) and drop one into a heated pan with some olive oil.  Cook for about 5 minutes on one side, until it’s crispy, and then flip it for another 2.  Slide it into a pita pocket, add whatever toppings* your heart desires, and ta-da!!  A wonderful meal.

*Toppings:

Tahini Sauce– Equal parts plain yogurt and tahini paste, a tablespoon of lemon juice, and some oregano; mix and spread on the pita.  You’ll want to lick the bowl it’s so yummy.

Sun dried tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta, sprouts, etc.

Sometimes there’s nothing like a delicious, healthy, homemade meal to make you really feel good about yourself.

I was so inspired by my success in creating 2 for 2 good veggie burger recipes that I let my mind completely wander.  Couldn’t I start a restaurant that just served veggie burgers??  There are so many options I could do–portabello mushroom, beets, lentils, bulgar, Asian style, flaxseed, cashews–that are all so exciting and unique!  It could be like a fast-food-ish place: order at a counter and you can either take it to go or sit down with it.  How fun would that be?!  And I’m sure there’s a niche for a solely veggie burger place out there– healthier than a real burger, but tasting just as interesting!  And since they’re easy to make, they would be pretty cheap, making it a great place for business people to eat lunch or starving college students to get some protein.  I need to look into this thought much more.  Too bad my business skills are non-existent.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy my recipe.  If you do try it, I would love some feedback!  Have a great rest of the weekend, and happy Oscar season!

 

Should I open a veggie burger restaurant?

[horn] let’s go caps! February 26, 2011

I have had the most fabulous start to my weekend.  Last night, I went to the Capitals-Rangers hockey game at the Verizon Center and discovered a whole new community of Washingtonians.

I was surprised upon moving here to discover that hockey is HUGE.  Maybe it’s because none of the other DC sports teams are good, or because it’s a sport that lets the usually buttoned-up politically-correct population show their aggressive alter egos, or because the Caps play right smack in the middle of downtown, offering fans endless partying opportunities for after the game.  Whatever the reason, Caps games are almost always sold out, and considering there are 82 games in a season, that’s pretty astonishing.

I have never been to a hockey game in my life, and really had no desire to before last night, so I have been totally clueless about the Caps.  (I personally find hockey too violent–I saw a CSI episode once where a hockey player was found dead on the ice, and even though everyone thought he had been murdered, his throat had been cut by another skaters’ blade in a pile up.  Ugh it gives me the shudders to think about.  Future children, read my blog post: you will never play hockey.)  But I have been paying attention to all the Caps jerseys, TV commercials, newspaper articles, and crowds at the Gallery Place metro stop, so I have become intrigued by their story and sport.

When friend (Kristen) Beales said her friend/roommate/mom could get us tickets for free, I jumped on the opportunity to join the tremendous Caps fanbase here in DC.  I proudly flaunted my Caps t-shirt on the metro, happy that I could smile and wink at 5 year old cuties without seeming like a child molester because we, my friends, were all cheering for the same team.

Our tickets were AWESOME.  We were two rows off the ice, right behind the Ranger’s bench.  It was the perfect place because we could see everything but also didn’t have to worry about the plexiglass cracking right in front of us.

To my mom’s aptly put comment on my Facebook, “just curious–how much do you know about hockey?” the answer is nothing.  I know nothing.  I kept trying to ask Beales very important questions, like why don’t the refs stop them when they start fighting?, and are all the players foreign?, and also omg am I going to get hit in the mouth with a puck?!?, but she was too busy following the very fast paced game.  (Can you imagine being an announcer for hockey?  The puck changes players every 3 one-hundredths of a second.  I bet hockey announcers retire and become auctioneers.)

I was struck by the crowd at the hockey game.  It was very apparent that hockey is a sport that transcends social divisions, which I found appealing.  The two girls in front of us could have been hookers, but they were sitting next to two young men who looked like they were in town fresh off of Wall Street.  The couple behind us was somewhere between 50 and 95 years old, and they were sitting next to a whole family, infant and all.  I saw people in Ralph Lauren polos and critter pants and some in tattoo sleeves.  But at the bar attached to the Verizon Center (the Greene Turtle, if you were wondering), everyone was rubbing shoulders and getting drunk together.  I really appreciated that; it was obvious that a Caps game (and especially a dismal Caps loss) has the power to bring people together from all walks of life.

I loved my first Caps experience–even though I knew absolutely nothing and am apparently very bad luck.  I’m hoping if I throw a shout-out to CableChar here on my blog she’ll hook us up with more tickets–playoffs perhaps??  Unleash the fury, baby!

 

Are you a hockey fan?  What is your team?

I’m on the fence about becoming an official “fan,” but my team is definitely the Washington Capitals.  LET’S-GO-CAPS!!

just sayin’ (again) (and even more emphatically) February 19, 2011

who can give me a kiss… February 15, 2011

…that’s bigger than my head?!?!

happy valentines day! February 14, 2011

What is it about Valentine’s Day that polarizes people so much?  It has turned into a holiday marked by a war between the Singles and the Dating.  Those with Significant Others love V-Day; those without hate it.  And why is that?  Isn’t Valentine’s Day all about showing love and appreciation, not rubbing your relationship status into others’ faces?

I love Valentine’s Day, because I choose to show love and appreciation…to myself.  Isn’t having a healthy, positive relationship with yourself crucial to a wonderful life?  (I have a quote over my mirror that says “To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.”)  Besides, even when I had a Significant Other, I never got the exact token of love and appreciation I wanted, always leaving me a little disappointed.  Last year, Valentine’s Day fell right before my very last ACC swim meet, and only a few weeks after a rough break-up, so I was a little distracted and forgot to show myself the love and appreciation I so needed.  So this year, as I am distraction-free and job-holding, I decided to really spoil myself.

I bought myself a Kate Spade purse!

This black, patent leather, croc skinned beauty is my new work bag!  Isn’t it WONDERFUL?!?!  My old one, which is a mere 3 months old, and cost $60, has broken straps and fading color.  So, in the interest of investing, I purchased a high quality bag as a replacement, one which will last me until eternity.  (And if it doesn’t, I will demand my money back.)  I can hear my mother gasping in dismay as she reads this in California, but relax Mama!!  I got it ON SALE with EXTRA money off and FREE SHIPPING!!!  Seriously, guys, Kate Spade’s sale stuff is a really good deal, and if you sign up for email alerts, you get an automatic 15% off.

Some people like to have a Significant Other to snuggle up next to at night–but I prefer my new purse!!  Besides, flowers wilt, but leather lasts forever!  Mmmmmmm.  The sparks between us are obvious.

I danced with my new purse all night long.  He makes a great partner.

I know I am coming off as a very materialistic, pessimistic person right now.  Yes, I may be a little materialistic and brand-happy, but pessimistic–never!  I have been excited to get my new bag for over a week, and thus been excited for Valentine’s Day itself.  I am a single woman, but I do not hate V-Day!  I honestly think it’s the perfect excuse to pamper yourself a little bit–because don’t you deserve it??  Just because someone else isn’t buying you the gift doesn’t mean you still shouldn’t have it.  Love yourself!!  Tell yourself you’re worth it!!  You don’t need a Significant Other to tell you that you’re loved and appreciated.  Begin a life-long romance with YOURSELF!  Buy something special; do something special; be special!!!

 

How did you spend Valentine’s Day this year?

I curled up on my couch with my fabulous new bag and watched The Bachelor.  Ugh, I am shameless.

learning from tom brokaw February 8, 2011

This morning, I had the amazing opportunity to attend a Distinguished Speaker event featuring Tom Brokaw, famed NBC Nightly News anchor and author of several best-selling books.  Seriously guys, Tom Brokaw.  He actually is a person, not just a face that popped up on the TV every night for 30 years, and I got to listen to him.

I am a little too young to have grown accustomed to Tom Brokaw appearing in my family room for years, but I have read his book Boom!, a look back at the Sixties and their effect on the US today, which I found wonderful and a surprising page-turner.  As someone who, unfortunately, was not alive for the 1960s, I thought Tom’s book was a fascinating look at the events from someone who, as a young journalist, was literally RIGHT THERE for everything.  I was very excited to attend one of his events, and was not let down.

The speaker series is focused on leadership, so Tom (I would say we’re on a first-name basis now) opened with a list of the people he has interviewed who exemplify true qualities of leadership.  He of course included the high-profile “movers and shakers”: Ronald Reagan; Bobby Kennedy; Dr. King; Steve Jobs; Lance Armstrong.  But he also mentioned other lesser known people, those who do good every day without expecting a single act of recognition: surgeons in Doctors Without Borders; civil rights activists; members of the military.  As he talked, I was drawn to his hands, which were wrinkled and swollen with arthrytis.  Think of all the hands those gnarled fingers have shaken!!  It’s hard to wrap my head around the vast number of remarkable people Tom has rubbed shoulders with; around the number of average families who ate dinner every night with him on the television.  Compared to Tom’s incredible life, what do I really have to say for myself?  Blood grosses me out, so I will never join Doctors Without Borders.  The Civil Rights Movement is over, so I can’t participate in that either.  And as for joining the military– well, I’m pretty sure I would make a terrible soldier.

As to be expected from a newscaster, Tom is an impeccable speaker.  He spoke for an hour without a single “um,” and even when fielding questions, was able to maintain a constant flow of conversation and an intelligible thought process.  He was entertaining, informative, and motivating all at the same time, without ever seeming condescending or overbearing.  I felt like I was in the presence of a master, which I absolutely was.

Because of the location and high security level at the event, I was not allowed to take any photographs.  But I did receive a FREE copy of Tom’s bestseller The Greatest Generation, which I am very excited to read.  Considering that I now have a humongous intellectual crush on Tom, I’m sure I will love the book and sing his praises forever on my blog.

 

Did you watch Tom Brokaw on the Nightly News??

Not really.  I was only in 8th grade when Tom retired from NBC, and was much more concerned with AIM and my Old Navy overalls.

a long-awaited day at the newseum February 7, 2011

Remember that one Sunday when I was supposed to go to the Newseum?!  Remember when I ended up doing absolutely NOTHING instead??  Well, I was determined to not let that unproductive-ness happen again so soon, so I put on some comfortable shoes, packed a bag of snacks, and headed to the Newseum for Attempt #2.

An imposing, mostly glass building, the Newseum is conveniently located on the corner of Pennsylvania & Constitution, lending itself to stunning views of the Capitol.  (It is also very visible from the steps of the Capitol–a metaphor for the role of media in the US government, perhaps??)  (Another fun fact: the filming of Transformers 3 occurred right in front of the Newseum, so if you watch the movie, be on the lookout for an action scene in front of a huge glass building next to the Canadian embassy.  You heard it here first, my friends.)  Unfortunately, I picked a rainy, gray day to visit the Newseum, so my view was not as great as it could have been.

Admission to the Newseum is a pricey $21.95, but in my opinion, completely worth it.  What kind of things can you expect to see??

• The biggest section of the Berlin Wall outside of Germany.

Being the Germa-Nerd that I am, I thought this was really cool.  It’s neat to see the contrast between the West side of the wall and the East.  There’s also an actual guard tower that was a part of the wall which you can walk into and check out.  The wall and the tower left me pondering two things: how on EARTH did they get a huge tower into the building; and also, didn’t the wall come down while most of the media was looking the other way?  Nevertheless, the Berlin Wall exhibit is very well done, and an impressive display of recent history.

• A selection of athlete photographs from Sports Illustrated.

I thought this exhibit was okay.  I wandered around until I found the token Michael Phelps picture, but for someone who has seen him swim a hundred times, it didn’t portray him in any unusual or unexpected light.

• A hip-shakin’, pelvis-thrustin’  Elvis exhibit!

This was the King of all exhibits!  (Ha.)  No but seriously, the Newseum does a great job illustrating the impact of Elvis on the media, and in return, the impact of the media on Elvis’ life and career.  They had some totally random Elvis artifacts–his American Express card; a police receipt for the extra security personnel employed around the hospital during Lisa Marie Presley’s birth–but they were all interesting.

• A 9/11 tribute.

This is all that remains of the flag pole on one of the Twin Towers.

This is obviously a very moving exhibit, made even more difficult by a video in a dark room recounting the experiences of journalists around the towers.  Looking at the twisted, mangled heap of metal, it’s hard to not think about what happened to those who couldn’t make it out.  Behind the pole is a wall covered with the front pages of newspapers published around the world on September 12.

Perhaps not the most eloquent of headlines, but one expects nothing less from the San Francisco Examiner.

• A gallery of the Pulitzer Prize winning photographs from 1946 to today.

Did you know that a picture of Rowdy Gaines won a Pulitzer??  (Swim community- represent!)  This exhibit was fabulous.  There are so many stunning, sad pictures, with really interesting, explanatory blurbs accompanying them.  Unfortunately, the gallery is awkwardly set up, with narrow aisles and low ceilings.  It was easily the most crowded exhibit in the Newseum, and seemed to have more strollers and screaming toddlers than a Toys R Us.  I wish they had a photo book of all the pictures available in the gift shop, so that I could have taken it home and enjoyed them from the comfort of my couch.

 

I really enjoyed my time at the Newseum.  While it takes an unashamedly firm position that the media does nothing but good, and that most positive events in history have occurred thanks to the press, the Newseum does a good job of highlighting the symbiotic relationship between journalism and the world on which it reports.  I easily spent 5 hours wandering around, and could have come back the next day.  (Tickets are good for two days!)  I think that if you are in DC for more than three days, the Newseum is a must-see.

 

What is the best museum you’ve ever been to?

I would say this is a toss-up between the Louvre and the Met.  The Louvre wins for best museum setting (it’s in a palace!), and the Met wins for the most old Egyptian artifacts.  Sometimes I just wish museums weren’t so big–I get tired and grumpy before I can see everything in them!

a crumb-y surprise February 6, 2011

Look what I found!!

A Crumbs Bake Shop!!!  Right in Clarendon!  Yummmmmm.

I wandered here with Michelle, and I ate my breakfast, lunch, and probably an extra 400 calories for dinner in one sitting.

I first had a Crumb’s cupcake when I was visiting Caitlin in New York City for Thanksgiving.  We had a really gross breakfast one morning (think of a pureed beet smoothie), and we felt that the only way to remedy the situation would be to overdose on sugar.  I had a Salted Caramel cupcake that was salty (obviously) and overwhelmingly sweet, with a runny, oozing, delicious caramel filling.  It was a perfect last meal in New York.

Although I am quickly tiring of the cupcake fad sweeping our nation, I have paid due diligence to the cupcakeries here in DC.  I found Georgetown Cupcake\’s peanut butter cupcake mediocre, and recently went to CakeLove (subject of the TLC show Sugar Rush) to see how they measured up.  I started with a salted caramel cupcake:

…and ended with a lot of left over buttercream frosting.

When CakeLove says their frosting is made with butter and cream, they mean it.  I felt like I was eating a stick of butter–I could feel my arteries building up with plaque with every bite I took.  The cake part was also dry and really crumbly, and the only caramel flavor was the drizzle on top.  Overall, I was disappointed with CakeLove, especially for a cupcakery who has bragging rights to it’s own tv show.

So after being let down by two separate bakeries, I was at the end of my proverbial cupcake rope.  When I saw Crumbs today, I was so overjoyed I dragged Michelle in and promptly bought, um, three cupcakes.

Clockwise from the top left, I got a vanilla Valentine’s one for coworker Suzannah (who suffered through the CakeLove experience with me), a chocolate-hazelnut wonder, and a peanut butter masterpiece.  I chose to eat the peanut butter one in the store, and it had a decadent cream cheese peanut butter filling inside that melt in my mouth.

The cake was soft and really moist, and there was just the right amount of frosting where I could enjoy it without feeling overwhelmed.  The little peanut butter chips around the edge provided a nice crunchy texture that worked well when combined with the cake and filling together.  Michelle and I devoured our cupcakes so quickly that the couple at the table next to us kept scooting their chairs backwards as to avoid the spray of crumbs coming from our mouths.

I am utterly content with my belly full of cupcake, and the good news is that I still have another one waiting for me in my fridge!!  Breakfast tomorrow?  I think yes.

I give Crumbs Bake Shop 2 thumbs up, plus all my toes.  I was completely impressed for a second time today, and seriously think you need to go check it out.  Definitely don’t ask me to pick something up for you, however, because I will eat it faster than you could believe.

 

What is your favorite kind of cupcake?  Do you have a special cupcakery that you frequent?

I love all things caramel, and the salted caramel cupcake at Crumbs has to be my all time favorite.  (Men, watch out!!  You have been replaced.)  I will now be at Crumbs most weekends, getting my supply for the week.

my very own veggie burger creation February 2, 2011

Today I had a not-so-good day at work, and when I got home, I felt like doing something to take my mind off everything that had happened earlier.  The first thought I had was to cook something yummy for dinner, because that would 1. keep me focused on the food,  2. fill me up so I would stop being crabby, and 3. cheer me up via the knowledge that I, an adult woman, made a good meal all on my own.

I felt like a veggie burger, but the only recipe I could fine on my favorite cooking website/blog The Kitchn used beets as the main ingredient, and I despise beets.  So, feeling resourceful, I decided to make my VERY OWN veggie burger.

TA-DA!!!

To get to this scrumptious end result, I used this made-up recipe:

Jen’s Pantry-Cleaning Veggie Burger

1 can black beans

1/2 can corn

1/2 cup dry quinoa (cooked according to package directions)

1/2 cup finely diced red onion

cumin

coriader

paprika

red pepper

garlic

1 egg

1 handful breadcrumbs

Mix all the ingredients together in a medium mixing bowl, adding more or less breadcrumbs as necessary.  (I was an idiot and forgot to drain my beans, so I added a LOT of breadcrumbs.)  Add the spices according to your taste– I did a lot of cumin and garlic, and roughly 1/2 teaspoon for everything else.  (The more spices the better!!)  When the “dough” starts sticking together, grab about 1/2 cup and mold it into a “patty” with your hands.  Heat up a frying pan with a little olive oil, and drop the patty in.  Get a good sear on both sides (the crunch adds to the texture!), and then stick it into a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes.  (I cooked it for about 10 in the oven, and it came out a little undercooked.)  Enjoy on a soft whole wheat bun, perhaps with some caramelized red onions and creamy balsamic salad dressing?

I loved loved LOVED my made-up recipe.  It was so easy, and even better, could be adapted to go with any flavor or weird ingredient you have in your pantry.  The next time I make these, I’m going to add some chopped bell pepper, smoked paprika, and a little greek yogurt.  I’ll top it with some provolone and maybe Thousand Island dressing?  The black beans, quinoa, and egg/breadcrumb glue gives you an essentially a blank slate for anything you could ever want to try.  Like Greek food?  Add cucumbers, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes; top it with feta and avocado slices and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar– you’ve go it made.  (Actually…I might go try that right now.)  Asian?  Add shredded carrots, maybe some sliced cabbage, a dash of soy sauce; top with bean sprouts and hoisin or sriracha and the world will love you.  Seriously, guys, this recipe is foolproof AND delicious– not to mention it has put me back into a wonderful mood.  What more could you ask for?

 

No, really, what more could you ask for besides this burger recipe??

A man who will eat them.