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.

Ooey Gooey Grilled Cheese Sandwich

You know those days that just feel blah? It's cold, it's raining, and thought of putting jeans on in place of your sweatpants makes you cry a little? You wonder, "Would anyone judge me if I showed up like I woke up?" Maybe you had class today, maybe you had work, but the only thing you're thinking about now is risking a third speeding ticket so you can get home and change right back into your pj's. And oh, yeah... indulge in some comfort food.

Despite the picture I'm painting here, this is not a plug for Pajama Jeans. You know, "Looks like denim... but feels like pajamas!" If the infomercial made you briefly consider how clutch that'd be, you are not alone, my friends. Unfortunately, that's one guilty pleasure that's a little too guilty. There are standards, people.

On the contrary, this is a plug for a guilty pleasure that ranks at shame factor: zero... something even more comforting than Pajama Jeans... I'm talkin' about grilled cheese.

Grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and I'd debate anyone on that. It's warm, melty, cheesy, and just an all around feel-good food. Paired with a hot cup of tomato soup, and even the nastiest day can turn around. There really is nothing better.

This grilled cheese is so satisfying. The bread's crunchy, the tomato makes it hearty, and the cheese takes center stage.

And guess what?

It's vegan.

So put on your pj's, get comfy, and indulge. Sans guilt.

Vegan Grilled Cheese

[2] slices hearty whole grain bread; I used an organic loaf

[2-3] oz. cheddar style soy cheese

[2] slices tomato, 1/2 inch slices

[2] tsp vegan butter; I like Earth Balance

Spread each slice of bread with 1 tsp of the vegan butter. Toast the bread on medium heat, one slice topped with the cheese. Cover and let cook until the cheese has melted. Add tomato. Devour.