Falafel Veggie Burgers

I am not sure why these are called burgers? The first batch we ate as sandwiches in pita pockets. The second batch I wrapped in the pita like a burrito as it made for easier portability for lunches.

These are a good lunch idea, but after 3 days we were ready to move on. I am sure I will make them again in the future as they are a great easy lunch idea. I just ran everything through the food processor, shaped, and baked!

The recipe as written in the book was a little dry. The "patty" was too crumbly and would fall everywhere. I loved the minty sour cream sauce and think it is essential to what makes these good. We both agreed there was potential, so I made a second batch and this time left out the breadcrumbs (and the mayo in the sauce). We both really like them.

Pistachio Ice Cream

This ice cream looks a bit grainy and dull in this picture, but in reality it was neither. It was creamy and delicious, and almond extract adds a bright fresh flavour. It was the easiest ice cream recipe ever and turned out wonderfully.

Poor Andrew has to put up with a lot of different random things to eat in our house, some good, some not so good, usually with no asking if it is something he would like to have. So one day I asked, "would you like pistachio encrusted salmon for dinner?" as I was pulling the ingredients out. The answer was a sold "Hell No! I don't like nuts on my meat!" That was a crazy answer to me. But I felt bad for the experiment with chayote we had with our dinner the night before, so I complied and grilled sans nut salmon was had for dinner.

What is a girl to do with a bag of nuts? Well ice cream was made, and eaten, and loved. Fortunately Andrew doesn't like nuts in his ice cream either so I didn't have to share, and enjoyed savouring all the creamy goodness.

Crunchy Tortilla Chicken with Avocado Dip

Sorry about the crappy picture and out of focus chicken. It is actually a testament to how awesome this chicken tasted. Andrew was stealing pieces from the baking sheet when they came out of the oven. By the time I got out my camera he had already ran off with a plate and finished it.

I don't normally like breading things, and going through the coating process it. So I was happy this was an easy two stepper. Everything that coated this chicken was delicious on its own, so it made for a great combination and great chicken.

I was a little nervous when I was making the avocado dip because I had made vegan key lime tarts in the past which were basically avocado and lime and the smell makes me wrench a little. So I did my best to not inhale the dip. I am very glad I made it because it was a fantastic accompaniment to the tasty chicken.

So I have been very clear that we loved the chicken. We loved it fresh out of the oven crispy, and the next day at work reheated and a bit soggy. I have not yet taken a moment to flip through the cookbook Bite Me just yet. I literally opened the book to the correct page and went at it. Since I have started the Baking Beauties I have been trying to be more diligent in my life about only eating food I make, or others make, but not processed. So yes I make homemade ice cream and scarf it down, and you may or may not understand, but unfortunately this chicken, may never be made again in my home. I broke a huge rule bringing Tostitos into the house, actually even going down that isle in the grocery store. So I loved the chicken, but would I also just love eating Tostitos with melted cheese dipped in mayo alone, probably, and that is all I could see when I was eating lunch. So it is with a little apprehension as I turn the page, but I am open and ready to see what is next...