Hump Day Fun with a Burger: Paradise Found

Hump day.

What a day, what a day.

As we slide out of the agony of a cruel Monday/Tuesday suckerpunch combo, we're given a false sense of hope that the weekend is actually within reach.

Midway through our seven day stretch, like an uncertain limbo, Wednesdays present the difficult question: to drink, or not to drink?

Luckily, this particular Wednesday is...special.

So pick your poison-- whether you're singing "Bottom's Up" or "Burn One Down," everyone deserves a hearty treat to get them over the midweek hurdle.

In honor of a day when your hunger pangs cry just a little louder, here's a recipe that'll make you drool. And since a day like today only comes around once a year, don't let anyone make you feel bad about drooling.

Healthy Cheeseburger in Paradise
Serves 1

[2] slices organic whole grain bread
[2] slices Tempeh Smoked "Bacon"
[1] vegan burger (my favorites are Boca Original Vegan Burger and Amy's Quarter Pound Veggie Burger)
[2] oz vegan cheese (I used Vegan Gourmet Cheddar Style)
[1] tbsp sliced pickles
[1] large leaf lettuce
[1] slice tomato
[1] tbsp ketchup
[1] tbsp Veganaise mayo (optional)

Toast the bread in a toaster oven. Tricky, I know. It gets more complicated so pay attention...

Defrost your burger in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Heat a skillet to medium/high heat. Spray with a nonstick cooking spray and add the Tempeh Bacon. Cook until browned on both sides. Set aside.

Add burger to the pan and cook evenly on both sides until browned. Top with vegan cheese, and cook for about 3 more minutes, covered, until the cheese melts and the burger is warmed through.

Assemble the burger to your liking, adding or taking away ingredients so that your final creation turns into a little bite of paradise.

Now plop down on your sofa and picture your uninhibited weekend self laughing the day away. It will come soon enough, I promise.

Chomp.

And for all of you who have likened vegan food to the diet of a certain Easter icon, I hope you've learned something.

Because yes, from time to time, vegans crave cheeseburgers.


The End.


And Happy Holidaze to all.